Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, however selecting the right crib is among the most crucial decisions you'll make. The crib that your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development regardless of the style of the slats, or the mattress height.
Keep in mind that bolts and nails can wiggle loose over time, so make sure you check your crib's hardware frequently. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to drapes or blinds that hang on the ceiling, as they could create the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
When shopping for the perfect crib size is a crucial aspect. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, but small enough so that you are able to reach your baby to attend to them. It should be strong enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
Most cribs are made of metal or wood and come with slatted side panels. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and ensure adequate air flow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who sit up or crawl. Measure 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, but still have the same safety standards. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs often have rigid or mesh sides, and are usually smaller than cribs that are full-size.
If you opt for an alternative crib, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size recommendations. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover will protect your baby's bed from spills and accidents. Choose cheap cot bed with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that eliminates allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib that has drop-sides, know that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and were banned in the US in 2011. Even if you decide to purchase a crib with a drop-side or receive one as a gift make sure you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is the most secure spot for your child. It's not just an area for rest but also a place to see and hold them frequently. While there are many different models and brands of cribs on the market, each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib make sure that it is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Also, don't use any blankets or pillows in the crib; these can cause suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must comply with the formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in conformity. Although these requirements are not directly applicable to cribs, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners are tightened again between dynamic tests should be added to the new crib standard. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to simulate and speed up the use and abuse of cribs by children. Loose screws are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident records. These data indicate that the two most frequently reported crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we have decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to include the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting experience to design your baby's nursery. The crib is the main focal point of any nursery, so it is important to pick one that matches your style and complements the decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist design or more traditional, there are lots of chic cribs to pick from. There are options for every price range, from affordable to upscale. Be sure that the crib you select has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and features slatted wall paneling to allow safe ventilation. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, but they are more functional for your baby's early years.
There are a variety of types of cribs on the market, but they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. For instance the crib slats must be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda container), and you should stay clear of decorative cutouts or shapes in the headboard or footboard.
The mattress must be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to become entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. But if you have an unstabilized crib, ensure you buy mattress pads for additional support.
A low-level mattress is another advantage of a good crib that can help keep toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in size. However, make sure to measure the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. The corners of many 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 types of cribs can be turned into toddler beds or 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 have conversion kits. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib is one of them. It costs 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 take your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another affordable crib. It is simple to put together and folds down in an hour. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a long-term solution for sleeping because your child will outgrow it after six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cradles that are suitable for the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. They're more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib will include a mattress support that is solid and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's size. It should be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly if you're under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that stand over 1 8 inches above the mattress opening, which can cause your baby to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have separate changing rooms that help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. While they are useful but they can take up more space than traditional cribs, and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials the crib is made from. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Look for a crib made from solid wood or comes with a metal base instead.