Choosing a Baby Crib

Designing a nursery is an exciting time, however choosing a crib is one of the most important decisions you will make. The crib in which your baby sleeps in will have a major impact on their health and development regardless of the style of the slats, or the mattress's height.

Remember that nails and bolts may wiggle loose over time, so make sure you check your crib hardware regularly. Also, avoid placing your crib near curtains or window blinds that hang down, which could create a strangulation risk for your baby.

Size

Size is an important factor to take into consideration when buying a crib. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, yet small enough that you are able to reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.

The majority of cribs are constructed from wood or metal, and a majority include slatted sides. These features let caregivers view the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs can be used until your child reaches the age of two.

Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, while the highest setting is ideal for babies who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the inside of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit, as the slatted design of most cribs can leave tiny gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.

Manufacturers have cribs and mattresses that are not standard sizes, but still have the same safety standards. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs often come with mesh or rigid sides, and tend to be smaller than the full-size cribs.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size in case you decide to purchase one that isn't standard. They may have specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. It is also recommended to examine the distance between the crib and mattress to make sure that it is not more than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.

A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can keep it clean and secure from spit-up or accidents. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.

If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been banned in the US since 2011. Even if you intend to buy or receive a drop-side baby crib be sure to remove it when your child reaches 35 inches or has the ability to climb out.

Safety

A baby crib is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It's not just an area for rest but also a place where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of cribs and brands available each one must comply with certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.

Before you put your baby in the crib, make sure it is clean and free of dander and dust. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Use no blankets or pillows within the crib. They can lead to the suffocation of children. Instead, use a mattress pad and fitted sheet.

Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199), and cribs made of composite wood must be tested to determine if they are in compliance. Although these regulations are not directly applicable to cribs but the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood comply with this important new law.

Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test and the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the second most common cause of fatalities in cribs.

Other comments were based upon the EWS incident data. These data reveal that the most common hazards associated with cribs are drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We decided to focus our focus on these issues and include the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. Incorporation by reference is the most effective way to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and efficient manner.

Style

It is a rewarding and exciting experience to design your baby's nursery. The crib is the focal point of any nursery cots, so choose one that suits your style tots and cots compliments the decor. There are numerous chic cribs available, whether you want something contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options for everyone's budget, from the cheapest to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you choose has all the safety requirements.

A crib is a small, specially designed bed for babies and infants. It is made of sturdy materials such as wood and has slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets however they offer more functionality during the initial three years of your child's life.

There are a variety of crib designs available, but all must meet safety standards. The crib slats, for instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid decorative shapes or cutouts on the footboard and headboard.

The mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and the mattress can allow babies' arms or legs to become entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. However, if you own an unstabilized crib, be sure to buy mattress pads for additional support.

A great crib also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents children from stepping over the crib's edge. It's a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms with a limited space Be sure to verify the mattress's height prior purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a sticker at the corner which shows the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.

If you're looking for a crib that can grow with your child, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be converted into an infant bed as well as a daybed or a full-size bed. Some of the cribs in our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.

Budget

While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile which makes it easier to get your baby in and out.

The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable sleep and play option is easy to set up and folds down in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleep solution, however because your baby will outgrow it in about six months.

You can also find affordable cradles and bassinets that can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. They are more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. But, they're only a temporary solution for sleeping and your baby is likely to outgrow them before their first birthday.

A good cribs crib should be sturdy and secure mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions, based on the growth of your baby. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out of it easily, especially when you're less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are over 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your baby to get trapped when they play or climb.

Some cribs have attached changing areas that make diapering a bit easier and faster. While these are convenient but they can take up more floor space than traditional cribs and may not be the best cot newborn choice for smaller nurseries.

You should also consider the materials the crib is made of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Instead, choose a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.