Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery, but choosing the crib is one of your most crucial decisions. The design of the slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities, the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their health and development.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails may become loose with time. Avoid placing 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 consider when purchasing a crib. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy infant but small enough that you are able to reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and a majority include slatted sides. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs are used from birth until your child is about two years old. of age, at which point they need to be moved into the toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with the mattress height which can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development. The lowest setting is suitable for infants, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure the mattress is suitable. The slatted design could create small gaps that could be dangerous to your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that are not 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 cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
cots offers to determine the recommended mattress size if you choose a crib that is not standard. There could be requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than one inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can help keep it clean and protected from spit-up or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib that has drop-sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you decide to buy a drop-side crib or get one from a friend make sure you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It's a place to relax but also a space where you can keep them close and observe them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands on the market. But, they all must meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you place your child in the crib make sure that it is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets within the crib. They could cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should conform to formaldehyde emissions standards as outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in conformity. The CPSC has concluded that, even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is still appropriate to enforce compliance with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be retightened between dynamic tests should be added to the new crib standard. This suggestion is not a good idea for 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. Loose screws are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident records. These data show that the two most frequent crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the rulemaking process and to include the performance standards already included in the current mandatory standard through reference . Incorporation by reference is the most effective method to ensure the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting process to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the focal element of any nursery, so you should select one that fits your style and complements its decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are plenty of chic cribs to pick from. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to upscale. Just be sure that the crib you select is in compliance with all the necessary safety standards.
A crib is a compact special bed designed specifically for babies and infants. It is made of sturdy materials such as wood and has slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, but they offer more functionality for your baby's the first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib designs available, but all must be safe to use. For example, the crib slats should not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda bottle), and you should stay clear of ornamental cutouts or designs on the footboard or headboard.
Additionally the mattress should fit comfortably inside the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs include stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own an unstabilized crib, make sure you purchase an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A mattress that is low-level is another advantage of a quality crib that can help keep children from climbing up the crib's edge. It's a great option for smaller parents or rooms with a limited space, but be sure to check the mattress height before you make your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and even a full-size bed. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile which makes it easier to get your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable play and sleep option is easy to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outside, on a patio or deck. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not designed 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 are suitable for the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. While they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easy to move around. They are only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib should be sturdy and solid mattress support that can be adjusted into four different positions, based on the development of your baby. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out of it easily, especially if you're under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which can cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs are equipped with changing areas, which can make diapering easier and faster. While they are useful, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials that the crib is made from. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Instead, opt for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a steel base.
