Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery but picking the crib will be one of the most crucial decisions. The crib where your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development whether it's the style of the slats or mattress's height.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails could become loose with time. Also, avoid placing your crib close to drapes or window blinds that hang, which can pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for the perfect crib size is a crucial aspect. The crib should be big enough to fit a sleeping baby, but small enough that you can be able to reach them easily and care for them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are constructed from metal or wood and the majority of them come with sliding sides. These features let caregivers view the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is around two years old. old, when they will need to be moved into the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, while the highest setting is good for babies who can sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the inside of your crib to be sure that the mattress fits because the slatted style of most cribs may create small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that are not standard sizes, but still meet the same safety standards. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs often come with mesh or rigid sides, and they are generally smaller in size than the full-size cribs.
If you choose a non-standard crib, check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size recommendations. They might have specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it's not more than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can keep it clean and safe from spills or accidents. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib that has drop-sides, you should know that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you plan to purchase or get a crib with drop sides for your baby be sure to get rid of it once your child reaches 35 inches or has the ability to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure spot for your child. It's not just a place to rest but also a place where you can see and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of models and brands of cribs available each one must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before putting your child in the crib make sure that it is clean, free of dust and dander. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets inside the crib; these can cause the suffocation of children. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and cribs constructed of composite wood must be tested to ensure compliance. While these rules are not directly applicable to cribs however, the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should include a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test - are designed to mimic and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the 2nd leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident records. These data indicate that the two most common crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are already contained in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. Incorporation by reference is the best method to ensure that the safety of cribs is ensured in a uniform and effective way.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting process to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the focal feature of any nursery, so you should pick one that matches your style and complements its decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there are plenty of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for everyone's budget, from the cheapest to high-end. Make sure that the crib you pick has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a small crib designed especially for babies and infants. It is constructed of durable materials like wood, and features slatted wall paneling to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, however they offer more functionality for your child's first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib designs available, but all of them must be safe to use. The crib slats, as an instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. You should also beware of cutouts or ornaments on the footboard and headboard.
Additionally the mattress should fit snugly within the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and mattress could allow infants legs or arms to become entangled. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. But if you have an unstabilized crib, ensure you buy an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A low-level mattress is another characteristic of a quality crib that helps to prevent toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. It's a great option for smaller families or rooms that are small However, be sure to verify the mattress's height prior purchase. The corner of most mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be converted 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 cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and has been highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has an overall profile that is medium height, making it simple to get your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. The portable sleep and play option is simple to put together and folds down in a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping as your child will outgrow it after six months.
crib sets can also find budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable 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're only a temporary solution for sleeping and your baby is likely to outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A quality crib will have a mattress support that is strong and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It should be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly when you're less than 5'5. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to get trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs feature an attached changing area which can make diapering a bit easier and faster. While these are convenient, they tend to take up more space than traditional cribs and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials that the crib is made of. A lot of cribs made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Choose a crib that is constructed out of solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.