Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting time, but picking the right crib is among the most crucial decisions you'll make. The crib in which your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development regardless of the style of the slats, or the mattress height.
Remember that bolts and nails can become loose over time, so check your crib hardware regularly. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to drapes or blinds hanging because they could pose the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
When choosing a crib the size is a key factor. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but small enough for you to reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should also be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are constructed of wood or metal and have side panels that are slatted. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and ensure adequate air flow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most standard cribs come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is ideal for infants. The highest setting is ideal for babies who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to make sure that the mattress is suitable as the slatted structure of most cribs may leave small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include bassinets, portable infant beds and play yards. These cribs are smaller than standard cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
If you opt for a crib that is not standard, make sure you review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size recommendations. There could be requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it's not more than 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can help keep it clean and safe from accidents or spit-up. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that reduces the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were associated with 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been outlawed in the US from 2011. Even if you intend to purchase or get a drop-side baby crib ensure that you remove it when your child is 35 inches or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It is a place for them to rest but also a space where you can keep them close and see them often. There are a myriad of brands and models of cribs on the market all of them must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you put your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean, free of dust and dander. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, don't put 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 laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be tested for conformity. The CPSC has concluded that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is appropriate to require the compliance of this law.
weblink suggested that the new crib standard should include a requirement to retighten fasteners between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to replicate and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. The loose screw is the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident data. These data show that the two most common crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we have decided to focus on these concerns in the new rulemaking and to incorporate the performance standards that are already contained in the existing mandatory standard by reference. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's important to choose one that matches your style and complements the room's decor. There are numerous elegant cribs to choose from regardless of whether you're looking for something contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to upscale. Be sure that the crib you choose has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny bed designed specifically for babies and infants. It is constructed from sturdy materials like wood and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, but they are more functional for your child's the first three years of life.
There are many styles of cribs available on the market, however they all must meet strict safety standards. For example the crib slats need to not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda container) and you should stay clear of decorative cutouts or shapes in the headboard or footboard.
The mattress should be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs include stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. However, if best infant cribs own an unstabilized crib, be sure to buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A quality crib also comes with a low sitting mattress level that prevents toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is an excellent feature for parents with children who are smaller or rooms that are small in space. However, it is important to measure the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. weblink on our list, including 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 most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars There are a few cribs available on the market that are budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and has been rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is medium height, making it easy to get your child inside and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable crib for sleep and play is simple to set up and folds down in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution for sleeping as your child will outgrow the product within six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that are suitable for the beginning of the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby close and comfortable. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easier to move around. But, they're only a temporary solution for sleeping and your baby is likely to outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is strong and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It should be low enough to let you reach into and out easily, particularly when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your baby to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs have an attached changing area which can help diapering a bit easier and faster. They are useful however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a suitable option for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials that the crib is made of. Many cribs are made of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib made from solid wood or with a metal base.