Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting time, but selecting the right crib is among the most crucial choices you'll ever make. It doesn't matter what design of the slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities the crib your baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Remember that bolts and nails can become loose over time, so make sure you check the crib's hardware regularly. Do not place your crib near blinds or drapes hanging on the ceiling, as they could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When shopping for a crib, size is an important aspect. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but compact enough to allow you to reach them in a safe manner to 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 of wood or metal and have side panels that are slatted. These features let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used until your child reaches the age of two.
Most standard cribs come with the mattress height which can be adjusted to suit the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is best for newborns. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the inside of your crib to make sure that the mattress fits, as the slatted design of most cribs may leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. Best cot for newborn are smaller than full-size ones and come with solid or mesh sides.
If you decide to purchase a non-standard crib, check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size recommendations. There could be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should check the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure it's not larger than 1 inch, which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover will protect your baby's bed from spills and accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that eliminates allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they've been linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US from 2011. Even if you decide to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one from a friend, be sure to remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to be able to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It is a place to relax and also a place where you can keep them close and check on them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands available on the market. However, all have to meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before putting your child 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. Do not place any pillows or blankets inside the crib. They can lead to death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in compliance. Although these regulations are not directly applicable to cribs however, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include a requirement to retighten fasteners between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to replicate and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident data. These data indicate that the two most common crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our attention on these issues and incorporate the performance standards already included in the current mandatory standard. By reference incorporation is the best method to ensure the safety of cribs is ensured in a consistent and effective manner.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding process. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it is essential to pick one that is in keeping with your style and matches the room's decor. There are a variety of chic cribs available that you can choose from modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are options for every budget, from the most affordable to upscale. Be certain that the crib you pick meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a tiny bed that is specifically designed for infants and children. It is made of sturdy materials like wood and has slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets but offer greater functionality for the first three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all must meet safety standards. For instance the crib slats need to not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda container), and you should not use ornamental cutouts or designs in the footboard or headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to become entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars that assist in keeping the mattress in its place. But if you have an unstabilized crib, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A great crib also has a low-sitting mattress that helps keep toddlers from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with small children or rooms that are small in space. However, it is important to check out the mattress's height prior your purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a label on the corner that shows the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want your crib to change with your child. These types of cribs can be transformed into a toddler bed as well as a daybed or a bed that is full size. A few of the cribs in our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs on the market that are budget friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib, for example, costs less than $200 and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile, which makes it easy to take your baby into and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is simple to put together and folds in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleeping solution, however, since your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. They are more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow them before their first birthday.
cot beds for sale that is of good quality will include a mattress support that is solid and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly if you're under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that stand more than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening This can cause your child to become stuck while they play or try to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing rooms, which can make diapering easier and quicker. These are convenient, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a suitable option for smaller nurseries.
You should also think about the materials that the crib is made from. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Choose a crib made out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.