Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, however choosing a crib is one of the most crucial choices you'll ever make. The crib where your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their development and health, whether it is the style of the slats, or the mattress's height.
Be aware that nails and bolts may wiggle loose over time, so check the crib's hardware regularly. Also, don't place your crib near drapes or window blinds that hang, which can present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for the right crib. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but small enough that you can reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal and have sides that are slatted. top rated cots are designed to let caregivers view the baby from different angles and to ensure proper air flow. Cribs are utilized from birth until the child is approximately two years old, when they will have to be moved to a toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with the mattress height which can be adjusted to suit the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is best for newborns, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted structure can create small gaps that could pose a risk for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that have the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs are smaller than standard cribs and have rigid or mesh sides.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you decide to purchase a crib that isn't standard. There could be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also important to examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can keep it clean and secure from spit-up or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were associated with 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010. They have been outlawed in the US from 2011. If you do decide to purchase or receive a crib with drop sides be sure to remove it when your child reaches 35 inches or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It is a place to relax and also a place where you can keep them close and check on them often. There are many crib models and brands on the market. But, they all have to meet certain safety requirements. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean, free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets in the crib; these can cause the suffocation of children. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in compliance. While these rules don't directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement to tighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test - are designed to replicate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the 2nd leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident information. These data show that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our focus on these issues and include the performance standards already included in the current mandatory standard. The incorporation of reference standards is the best way to ensure that the safety of cribs is ensured in a uniform and effective manner.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it is essential to pick one that fits your style and compliments your room's decor. There are many stylish cribs available that you can choose from contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to luxurious. Make certain that the crib you pick meets all of the required safety guidelines.
A crib is a tiny special bed designed specifically for infants and children. It has slatted walls that provide adequate ventilation and is usually constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, but they provide more functions for your baby's the first three years of life.
There are a variety of styles of cribs available on the market, however they all have to meet strict safety standards. For instance the crib slats must be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda can) and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or patterns in the headboard or footboard.
Additionally the mattress should fit snugly inside the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies legs and arms to get caught in the crib. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib does not include stabilizer bars, you'll need to buy an additional mattress pad for support.
A good crib also has a mattress that is low that helps keep toddlers from stepping over the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in space. But, be sure to check out the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you want your crib to change with your child. These types of cribs can be transformed into toddler beds as well as a daybed or a bed that is full size. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars however, there are a few cribs available on the market that are budget friendly. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is less than 200 dollars and is rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile, which makes it easy to take your baby into and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep and play option is simple to set up and folds down in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors or out on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however because your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that are suitable for the initial few months, which allows you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. They are more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. However, they're only a short-term sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them before the first birthday.
A quality crib will include 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 should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening that could cause your child to get stuck while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing rooms, which makes diaper changing easier and faster. While they are useful however, they take up more space than traditional cribs, and might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials your crib is constructed of. Many cribs are made of particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Find a crib that is made out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.