Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting time, but picking a crib is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. The crib that your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their development and health, whether it is the style of the slats or the mattress height.
Keep in mind that bolts and nails can be loose in time, so make sure you check the crib's hardware regularly. Do not place your crib near drapes or blinds that hang on the ceiling, as they could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When choosing a crib, size is an important aspect. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, yet small enough that you can reach them in a safe manner to care for them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and most have sliding sides. These features are designed to allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and to ensure proper air flow. Cribs are utilized 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 the mattress height which can be adjusted to meet your baby's development. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, while the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure the mattress will fit. The slatted design can leave tiny gaps that could pose a risk for your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, yet have the same safety standards. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than full-size ones and have rigid or mesh sides.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you choose a crib that is not 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 make sure that it is not greater than one inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can help keep it clean and protected from accidents or spit-up. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they've been linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US since. Even if you decide to purchase a crib with a drop-side or get one as a hand-me-down, be sure to remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is the most secure place for your child. It's not just an area to rest, but also a place to see and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of cribs and brands on the market, each one must meet certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib make sure it is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets in the crib. They can cause the suffocation of children. Instead, use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must conform to formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in conformity. While these rules don't directly apply to cribs but the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement to tighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. 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. Loose screw is the second most common cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based on EWS incident data. These data show that the two most frequent crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We therefore decided to focus on these concerns in the rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are currently included in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. By reference incorporation is the best method to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a uniform and effective way.
Style
The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the main focal point of any nursery, so it is important to pick one that matches your style and complements the decor. There are a variety of stylish cribs available, whether you want something modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are cribs for every budget, from affordable to upscale. Be sure that the crib you choose meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a compact bed that is specially designed for infants and babies. It is constructed from sturdy materials like wood, and features slatted wall paneling to allow safe ventilation. Cribs are often larger and more expensive than bassinets, but they are more functional during the initial three years of your child's life.
There are related web site of cribs that are available on the market, however they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, for instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should beware of cutouts or ornaments in the headboard and footboard.
Additionally the mattress should be able to fit comfortably inside the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs and arms to get caught in the crib. Many cribs come with bars for stabilization that aid in keeping the mattress in its place. If your crib does not include stabilizer bars, you'll need to buy a mattress pad as extra support.
A mattress that is low in height is another advantage of a quality crib that can help keep toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. It's an excellent feature for smaller parents or rooms with limited space Be sure to measure the mattress's height prior make your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you are looking for a crib that can grow with your child, you should consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full size bed. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 have conversion kits. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and has been highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile that makes it simple for you to get your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable play and sleep option is easy to set up and folds down in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or out on decks or patios. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleeping solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it after approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. They cost more but they are smaller and easier to move. But, they're only a temporary solution for sleeping, and your baby will outgrow them before the first birthday.
A good crib should have a sturdy, solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted into four different positions, based on the growth of your baby. It must be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly if you're under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening which could cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs are equipped with changing areas that makes diaper changing simpler and quicker. While these are convenient but they can take up more space than traditional cribs, and might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Instead, choose a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.