Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting experience, but selecting the right crib is among the most crucial choices you'll ever make. The style of slats, the mattress height or conversion capabilities the crib your baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails may become loose over time. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to drapes or blinds that hang, as they can pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When shopping for a crib the size is a key factor. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, yet small enough that you are able to safely 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 wood or metal and have sides that are slatted. These features let caregivers view the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is approximately two years of age, at which point they need to be moved into a toddler bed.
Most standard cribs come with a mattress height that can be adjusted to suit the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is best for babies. The highest setting is ideal for babies who can sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure the mattress is suitable. The slatted design could create small gaps that could pose a risk for your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, but meet the same safety standards. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and have solid or mesh sides.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you select a crib that isn't standard. There could be requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also recommended to examine the distance between the crib and mattress to make sure it's not larger than 1 inch, which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover can keep it clean and protected from spit-up or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce 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, know that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and were banned in the US as of 2011. Even if best cot beds plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or receive one from a friend, be sure to eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure spot for your child. It's a place to relax and also a place where you can keep them close and observe them often. There are numerous crib models and brands available on the market. However, they all must meet certain safety requirements. 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, ensure that the crib is clean, free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall off the crib. Use no blankets or pillows within the crib. They can cause suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should conform to formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected to ensure compliance. The CPSC has concluded that, even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is a good idea to enforce compliance with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened again between dynamic tests should be added to the new crib standard. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The shake test and vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident data. These data reveal that the most frequently cited dangers associated with cribs are drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. We decided to pay particular attention on these issues and include the standards of performance already in the existing mandatory standard. The incorporation of reference standards is the most effective way to ensure that the safety of cribs is ensured in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the main focal point of any nursery, so pick one that matches your style and complements the decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist style or more traditional, there are lots of chic cribs to pick from. There are options for every price range, from budget to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you pick meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a small, specially designed bed for infants and children. It is constructed of durable materials such as wood and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, however they are more functional 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. For instance, the crib slats should not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda bottle), and you should not use ornamental cutouts or patterns in the headboard or footboard.
In addition, the mattress must be able to fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and mattress can allow babies legs or arms to get entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars to aid in keeping the mattress in position. If your crib does not include stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase a mattress pad to provide additional support.
A mattress that is low in height is another advantage of a good crib that prevents toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are small in size. However, make sure to verify the mattress's height prior your purchase. The majority of mattresses will include a sticker on the corner that lists the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you want a crib that grows with your child, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed, or even a bed that is full size. A few of the cribs in our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. best cot bed 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 is less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile which makes it easier to take your baby into and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to set up and folds up in two minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution to sleeping because your child will outgrow it within six months.
You can also find affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easy to move around. But, they're only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them before the first birthday.
A good crib will have a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It must be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening, which can cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas, which can make diapering easier and faster. These are convenient however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a suitable option for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials the crib is made from. A lot of cribs made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Instead, look for a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.