Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, however picking a crib is one of the most crucial choices you'll ever make. The crib that your baby sleeps in will have a major impact on their health and development, whether it is the style of the slats, or the mattress's height.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails can become loose with time. Also, don't place your crib close to window blinds or drapes that hang down, which could present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
When shopping for a crib size is a crucial aspect. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but compact enough that you can reach them in a safe manner to care for them. It should be strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and most have sliding sides. These features allow caregivers to see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs can be used up until your child is of two.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting works best for newborns. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted design can leave tiny gaps that could be hazardous for your baby.
Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that are not standard sizes, but have the same safety standards. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs typically come with mesh or rigid sides, and are usually smaller than cribs that are full-size.
If you opt for an alternative crib, be sure to look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress sizes. There could be requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it is not more than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's bedding from accidents and spills. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that eliminates allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop-sides, know that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and are banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one as a hand-me-down ensure that you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A baby crib is one of the safest places to let your child sleep. It is not only an area to rest, but also where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. While there are many different brands and models of cribs on the market each one must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before putting your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Also, don't use any pillows or blankets inside the crib, as they can cause the suffocation of children. Instead, use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested cribs should comply with the formaldehyde emission standards 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. The CPSC has determined that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is appropriate to require compliance with this important law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement to tighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The shake test and vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up abuse of cribs. Loose screw is the second leading cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. The data shows that the most frequent dangers associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and include the standards of performance already in the current mandatory standard. Incorporation by reference is the best way to ensure that the cribs' safety is maintained in a uniform and effective way.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting experience designing your baby's nursery. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, so it's crucial to choose a crib that is in keeping with your style and compliments your room's decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist design or more traditional, there are lots of stylish cribs to choose from. You can find options in every price range, from affordable to luxurious. Just be certain that the crib you select conforms to all safety guidelines.
A crib is a small bed designed specifically for babies and infants. It is constructed of durable materials like wood, and has slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, however they offer more functionality for your baby's early years.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all must be safe to use. For example the crib slats need to not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda can), and you should not use ornamental cutouts or patterns in the footboard or headboard.
In addition, the mattress must fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the mattress and crib could allow infants legs or arms to get entangled. Many cribs include bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own an unstabilized crib, ensure you buy an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A good crib also has a low sitting mattress level that prevents toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. It's a great option for smaller parents or rooms that are small However, be sure to measure the mattress's height prior make your purchase. Most mattresses will have a label at the corner which shows the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if you want your crib to change with your child. These types of cribs can be converted into an infant bed as well as a daybed or a full-size bed. A few cribs on our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and has been rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is moderate in high, making it easy to get your child in and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to set up and folds up in a few minutes. It can be used indoors or out on a deck or patio. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping because your child will outgrow the product within six months.
You can also find affordable cradles and bassinets that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. They are more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. But, they're only a short-term sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib will have a mattress support that is solid and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's size. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly if you're under 5'5. best crib for newborn have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress, which can cause your child to become trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs have separate changing rooms that can make diapering a little easier and faster. These are convenient, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a good option for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials your crib is constructed of. Many traditional cribs are made of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Instead, opt for a crib made of solid wood or with a steel base.