Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but choosing the right crib is among the most crucial choices you will make. The crib where your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their development and health regardless of the design of the slats, or the mattress height.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails can become loose over time. Also, don't place your crib close to drapes or window blinds that hang down, which could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When choosing a crib, size is an important factor. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but compact enough to allow you to reach them safely to care for them. It should be strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood, and are fitted with side panels that are slatted. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and to ensure proper air flow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is about two years old. old, when they will have to be moved to the toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting works best for babies. The highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the inside of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit as the slatted structure of a lot of cribs leave 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 play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs typically have rigid or mesh sides, and they are usually smaller than cribs that are full-size.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size guidelines. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it is not more than one inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can help keep it clean and secure from spit-up or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that eliminates allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been banned in the US since 2011. If you do decide to purchase or receive a drop-side baby crib ensure that you get rid of it once your child reaches 35 inches or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the safest place for your child. It's a space for them to rest and also a place where you can keep them close and see them often. While there are many different brands and models of cribs available each one must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure that the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib make sure that it is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that might 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 that cribs need to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199), and cribs made of composite wood must be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. Although these regulations are not directly applicable to cribs, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement to tighten fasteners between dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to replicate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. The loose screw is the second most frequent cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident data. The data shows that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our attention on these issues and to incorporate the standards of performance already in the current mandatory standard. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so pick one that matches your style and compliments 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 available in every price range, from affordable to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you choose is in compliance with all the necessary safety guidelines.
A crib is a tiny, specially designed bed for infants and children. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and has slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets but they are more functional for the first three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of crib styles that are available, however all must be in compliance with safety standards. For example the crib slats must be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda bottle) and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or designs on the footboard or headboard.
Additionally, the mattress must fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to get caught in the crib. Many cribs have bars for stabilization that help keep the mattress in position. But if you have a crib that doesn't have them, ensure you buy an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A mattress that is low-level is another characteristic of a crib that can help keep children from climbing up the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with small children or rooms that are limited in space. However, make sure to verify the mattress's height prior your purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a label at the corner which lists the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
If you want a crib that grows with your child, you should consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler bed 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 most cribs cost hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. best cots in 1 Crib is less than 200 dollars and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a profile that is moderate in high, making it easy to get your child inside and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable crib for sleep and play is simple to put together and folds in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleeping solution, however, since your baby will grow out of it after about six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. They're more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. They're only a temporary sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A quality crib should have a sturdy, solid mattress support that can be adjusted into four different positions, based on the growth of your baby. It must be low enough to allow you to reach into and out easily, particularly if you are under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress that could cause your child to be trapped while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing rooms, which makes diaper changing simpler and quicker. They are useful, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a suitable choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials that the crib is made of. A lot of cribs made of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Instead, look for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a metal base.