Designing a nursery is an exciting time, however selecting a crib is one of the most important decisions you will make. The style of slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their health and development.Remember that bolts and nails can be loose in time, so make sure you check your crib's hardware frequently. Do not place your crib near blinds or drapes that hang, as they can pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to take into consideration when buying the right crib. The crib should be large enough to fit a sleeping baby, yet small enough to allow you to reach them in a safe manner to care for them. It should be strong enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal and have sides that are slatted. These features are designed to allow caregivers to observe the baby from various angles and to ensure adequate air flow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is approximately two years of age, at which point they have to be moved to the toddler bed.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the interior of your crib to make sure that the mattress is suitable, as the slatted design of most cribs may leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard cribs and have rigid or mesh sides.
If you opt for a crib that is not standard, make sure you look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress size recommendations. They might have specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. 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 cover can shield your baby's bedding from spills and accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US since. Even if you plan to buy a drop-side crib or receive one as a hand-me-down make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure spot for your child. It is not only an area for rest but also where you can see and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of cribs and brands on the market each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib, make sure the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets inside the crib as they could cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199), and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. While these rules are not directly applicable to cribs however, the CPSC has determined 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 a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to mimic and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the 2nd leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident records. The data shows that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We therefore decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards already contained in the existing mandatory standard through reference. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's important to choose one that fits your style and compliments your room's décor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist style or more traditional, there are plenty of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for every budget, from affordable to upscale. Make sure the crib you pick meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny bed that is specifically designed for babies and infants. It features slatted walls to ensure an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets, but offer greater functionality for the initial three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of types of cribs on the market, but they all must meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, as an instance, shouldn't exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. You should also beware of cutouts or ornaments on the footboard and headboard.
The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs include stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't, make sure you purchase an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A quality crib also comes with a mattress that is low, which helps prevent children from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small in space. But, be sure to measure the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. Some of the cribs on our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is priced at less than 200 dollars and is 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. 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 budget-friendly crib. This portable play and sleep option is simple to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping as your child will outgrow the product after 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 cost more however they are smaller and easier to move. They're only a temporary crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should be sturdy and solid mattress support that can be adjusted in four different positions based on your baby cots online (click this over here now)'s growth. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, especially when you're less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which could cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs come with separate changing rooms that can help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. They are useful, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials that the crib is made of. Many cribs are made of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Instead, choose a crib that is made of solid wood or with a steel base.
