Choosing a Baby Crib

It's exciting to design a nursery but picking the crib is one of your most crucial decisions. The crib that your baby sleeps in will have a major impact on their health and development regardless of the design of the slats, or the mattress height.

Keep in mind that bolts and nails can be loose in time, so be sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Avoid placing your crib near blinds or drapes that hang because they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.

Size

When you are looking for a crib, size is an important aspect. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, but small enough so that you are able to reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should also be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

Most cribs are made of metal or wood, and are fitted with side panels that are slatted. These features let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and promote airflow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is about two years old. older, at which point they will have to be moved to the toddler bed.

Most standard cribs come with the mattress height which can be adjusted to meet your baby's development. The lowest setting is best cots for newborns, while the highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit as the slatted structure of a lot of cribs create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.

Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that are not standard sizes, yet have the same safety standards. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and have mesh or rigid sides.

If you opt for an alternative crib, be sure to check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. They may have specific specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should check the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure it is no more than 1 inch which is the most safe space.

A waterproof cover can protect your baby's mattress from spills and accidents. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.

If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been outlawed in the US since 2011. Even if you plan to buy a drop-side crib or get one from a friend ensure that you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to climb out.

Safety

A crib for your baby is one of the safest places to let your child sleep. It is not only an area for rest but also where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a variety of crib models and brands available on the market. But, they all must 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 you place your child in the crib make sure that it is clean and free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animal that could fall off the bed. Also, do not use any blankets or pillows in the crib; these can cause suffocation. Instead, use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.

Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. Although these requirements are not directly applicable to recommended cribs, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.

Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement of tightening fasteners in between dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test - are designed to simulate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. The loose screw is the second leading cause of crib fatalities.

Other comments were based on EWS incident data. The data shows that the most common hazards 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. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.

Style

The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it is essential to pick one that fits your style and complements the room's decor. There are a variety of elegant cribs to choose from that you can choose from modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are options for every price range, from affordable to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you choose is safe and meets all safety standards.

A crib is a tiny crib designed especially for infants and babies. It features slatted walls to provide safe ventilation and is often constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, however they are more functional for your child's the first three years of life.

There are many crib styles that are available, however all must meet safety standards. For instance the crib slats must not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda bottle), and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or patterns on the footboard or headboard.

In addition the mattress should be able to fit comfortably into 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 bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. If your crib does not come with stabilizer bars, then you'll need to buy a mattress pad as extra support.

A great crib (Graddata blog article) also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents children from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with small children or rooms that are small in space. However, make sure to measure the mattress height before making your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will indicate 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. A few of the cribs in our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.

Budget

While the majority of 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, for example, costs less than $200 and has been 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 take your baby in and out.

Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep and play option is simple to put together and folds in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or out on a deck or patio. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping because your child will outgrow it within six months.

There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that are suitable for the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby close and comfortable. They're more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. They are only a temporary sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.

A quality crib should be sturdy and solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted in four different positions, based on your baby's growth. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out easily, especially if you are under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend more than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.

Some good cribs are equipped with changing areas, which makes diaper changing easier and quicker. Although they are convenient, they tend to take up more space than traditional cribs and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.

It is also important to consider the materials that the crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs made of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Instead, choose a crib made of solid wood or with a steel base.