Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, however choosing the right crib is among the most crucial decisions you'll make. The crib in which your baby sleeps will have a significant impact on their development and health regardless of the design of the slats or mattress's height.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails can become loose over time. Also, avoid placing your crib close to drapes or window blinds that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing the perfect crib. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, but small enough so that you are able to safely reach your child to listen
cots to tots them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of wood or metal and have side panels that are slatted. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs are used from birth until the child is around two years old. old, when they will need to be moved into a toddler bed.
Most standard cribs come with the mattress height which can be adjusted to meet your baby's development. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the inside of your crib to be sure that the mattress is suitable as the slatted structure of most cribs can create small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards, portable infant
cheap cot beds, and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and come with rigid or mesh sides.
If you decide to purchase an alternative crib, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size recommendations. There could be requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it's not more than 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can keep it clean and protected from spit-up or accidents. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're considering a crib that has drop-sides, be aware that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and are banned in the US as of. Even if you plan to buy or receive a crib with drop sides, make sure to remove it when your child is 35 inches or is able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure place for your child. It is not only a place to rest but also a place to see and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of models and brands of cribs on the market, each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your baby in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Don't put any blankets or pillows in the crib. They can lead to death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in compliance. The CPSC has concluded that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is appropriate to require conformity with this important law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The shake test and the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the second most frequent cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident records. The data shows that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we have decided to focus on these concerns in the new rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are currently included in the existing mandatory standard by reference. By reference incorporation is the most effective method to ensure the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so select one that fits your style and compliments the decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist style or more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. There are cribs for every budget, from the cheapest to upscale. Make sure the crib you pick meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a compact bed designed specifically for infants and children. It is constructed from sturdy materials such as wood and features slatted wall paneling to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, but they are more functional for your child's early years.
There are a variety of crib styles that are available, however all must meet safety standards. For example the crib slats must not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda bottle), and you should stay clear of ornamental cutouts or patterns in the headboard or footboard.
The mattress must be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs come with bars for stabilization that help keep the mattress in its place. But if you have a crib that doesn't, be sure to buy an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A great crib (
smfforum.Cloudaccess.host) also has a low sitting mattress level that prevents children from climbing over the crib's edge. It's an excellent feature for smaller families or rooms with limited space Be sure to check the mattress's height prior to you make your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed or even a bed that is full size. Certain
cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars There are a few cribs on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and has been rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile which makes it easier for you to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another affordable crib. The portable sleep and play option is easy to set up and folds down in an hour. It can be used indoors or outside on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution to sleeping because your child will grow out of the product within six months.
You can also find budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. While they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also more compact and easy to move around. However, they are only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib should have a sturdy, solid mattress support that can be adjusted into four different positions based on your baby's growth. It must be low enough to let you reach in and out easily, particularly if you are under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which could cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas that can make diapering a little easier and faster. These are convenient however they require more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a suitable option for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials that the crib is made from. The majority of cribs are constructed from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Instead, choose a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.