Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, however selecting the crib is one of the most crucial choices you will make. Whether it's the style of slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib the baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails could become loose over time. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to window blinds or drapes that hang down, which could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When shopping for the perfect crib, size is an important factor. The crib should be big enough to fit a sleeping baby, but compact enough to allow you to 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 everyday use.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal and have side panels that are slatted. These features are designed to let caregivers view the baby from different angles and to ensure adequate air flow. Cribs are available until your child reaches the age of two.
Most standard cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, while the highest setting is good for babies who sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted structure can leave tiny gaps that could be hazardous for your baby.
Manufacturers have cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, yet meet the same safety standards. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs and play yards. These cribs are smaller than full-size ones and have rigid or mesh sides.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard. There could be requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it's not more than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can keep it clean and secure from spit-up or accidents. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that reduces the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you are considering a crib with drop-sides, know that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been banned in the US as of. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one from a friend ensure that you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It's not just an area for rest but also where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of models and brands of cribs on the market all of them must meet certain safety standards. best crib are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure that the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib make sure the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets inside the crib, as they can cause suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must conform to formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and cribs made of composite wood must be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. The CPSC has concluded that, although these requirements do NOT directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is a good idea to enforce compliance with this important law.
Others suggested that the requirement that fasteners are tightened after dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard being revised. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the second most frequent cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. These data show that the most frequently cited hazards that are associated with cribs include drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We decided to pay particular attention on these concerns and to incorporate the performance standards already incorporated into the existing mandatory standard. By reference incorporation is the best method to ensure the safety of cribs is ensured in a consistent and effective manner.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting process designing your baby's nursery. The crib is the focal element of any nursery, so you should choose one that suits your style and compliments the decor. If you're looking for a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to high-end. Be certain that the crib you choose conforms to all safety guidelines.
A crib is a small bed that is specially designed for infants and babies. It has slatted walls that allow for safe ventilation and is often constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, but they are more functional for your baby's the first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib styles that are available, however all must meet safety standards. The crib's slats for instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. It is also recommended to avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes in the footboard and headboard.
Additionally, the mattress must fit comfortably inside the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the mattress and crib could allow infants legs or arms to become entangled. Many cribs have stabilizer bars that aid in keeping the mattress in position. But if you have a crib that doesn't have them, be sure to buy mattress pads for additional support.
A great crib also has a low sitting mattress level, which helps prevent toddlers from climbing over the edge of the crib. It's an excellent feature for smaller parents or rooms that are small, but be sure to check the mattress's height prior purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a sticker on the corner, which lists the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
If you're looking for a crib that grows with your child, think about purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be turned into an infant bed, a daybed and even a bed that is full size. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 are equipped with conversion kits. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is less than 200 dollars and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile that makes it simple for you to get your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable crib for sleep and play is easy to set up and folds down in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleeping solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby close and comfortable. They are more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib should be sturdy and solid mattress support that can be adjusted into four different positions, based on your baby's growth. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out easily, particularly when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your baby to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas that make diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. While these are convenient however, they take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials your crib is constructed of. Many cribs are constructed of particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Instead, look for a crib made of solid wood or with a steel base.