Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery but choosing the crib is one of your most important decisions. The crib where your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development, whether it is the style of the slats or the mattress's height.
Remember that nails and bolts can become loose over time, so check your crib hardware regularly. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to blinds or drapes hanging, as they can pose an injury risk to your baby.
Size
When choosing the perfect crib the size is a key aspect. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, but small enough so that you are able to reach your child to listen to them. It should be strong enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood, and are fitted with sides that are slatted. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and to ensure adequate air flow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, whereas the highest setting is ideal for babies who sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted design can leave small gaps which could be hazardous for your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, but comply with the same safety standards. These include bassinets, portable infant beds and play yards. These cribs often come with mesh or rigid sides, and they are usually smaller than cribs that are full-size.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size if you select one that isn't standard. They might have specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress size of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it is not more than 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can help keep it clean and safe from accidents or spit-up. 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 thinking of buying a crib that has drop-sides, be aware that they have been linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010 and have been banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to buy a drop-side crib or receive one from a friend, be sure to eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is the most secure spot for your child. It's a space for them to rest and also a place where you can keep them close and check on them frequently. While there are many different brands and models of cribs available each one must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animal that could fall off the bed. Also, don't use any pillows or blankets in the crib, as they can cause the suffocation of children. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should comply with the formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and cribs constructed from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. While these rules don't directly apply to cribs, the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up abuse of cribs. Loose screw is the second most frequent cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident records. These data reveal that the most common hazards that are associated with cribs include drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We therefore decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are currently contained in the existing mandatory standard by reference. The incorporation of reference standards is the best method to ensure that the safety of cribs is ensured in a consistent and efficient manner.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so you should pick one that matches your style and complements its decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist design or more traditional, there are plenty of stylish cribs to choose from. You can find options in every price range, from affordable to high-end. Just be certain that the crib you choose is in compliance with all the necessary safety standards.
A crib is a compact, specially designed bed for infants and children. It is constructed from sturdy materials like wood, and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. best cots can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets but they are more functional during the first three years of your child's life.
There are many types of cribs that are available on the market, however they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, as an instance, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. It is also recommended to avoid decorative shapes or cutouts on the footboard and headboard.
The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the mattress and crib could allow infants legs or arms to become entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization that help keep the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't include stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A good crib also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents toddlers from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in size. However, make sure to verify the mattress height before making your purchase. The majority of mattresses will include a sticker at the corner which indicates the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
Consider buying a convertible crib if want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be converted into the toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a full size bed. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 have conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib for instance, is priced 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 get your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable sleep-and-play option is simple to put together and folds down in two minutes. It can be used inside or outside, on a deck or patio. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution for sleeping as your child will outgrow it within six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cribs that can be used for the beginning of the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby snug and close. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easier to move around. However, they are only a temporary sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them before the first birthday.
A quality crib will include a mattress support that is strong and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's weight. It must be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend more than 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs come with separate changing rooms which can help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. While these are convenient however, they take up more space than traditional cribs and may not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials your crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Instead, choose a crib made from solid wood or with a metal base.