Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery but picking the crib is one of the most important decisions. The crib where your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development regardless of the style of the slats or the mattress's height.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails may get loose over time. Avoid placing your crib near blinds or drapes that hang, as they can pose the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to take into consideration when buying the perfect crib. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but small enough to allow you to reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should be strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood and come with side panels that are slatted. These features are designed to allow caregivers to view the baby from different angles and ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is best for infants. The highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure the mattress will fit. The slatted structure can leave tiny gaps that could be dangerous to your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs are smaller than standard cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you decide to purchase one that isn't standard. They might have requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than 1 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. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US since 2011. Even if you decide to buy a drop-side crib or get one as a hand-me-down make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It's a place for them to rest and also a place where you can keep them close and check on them frequently. While there are many different cribs and brands available, each one must comply with 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, make sure that it is clean, free of dander and dust. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that could fall off the bed. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets inside the crib; these can cause suffocation. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected to ensure conformity. Although these requirements don't directly apply to 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.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The shake test and vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the second most frequent cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. These data reveal that the most common hazards that are associated with cribs include drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We therefore decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are currently contained in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. Incorporation by reference is the most effective way to ensure that the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and efficient manner.
small cot beds of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, so it is essential to pick one that is in keeping with your style and compliments your room's décor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist style or more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to luxurious. Be certain that the crib you choose conforms to all safety standards.
A crib is a compact bed that is specially designed for infants and children. It is constructed of durable materials such as wood and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets but offer greater functionality during the first three years of your child's life.
There are many different types of cribs on the market, but they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. The crib slats, as an instance, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid decorative shapes or cutouts on the footboard and headboard.
The mattress must be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is essential because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants legs or arms to become entangled. Some cribs come with bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn't have them, ensure you buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A mattress that is low-level is another feature of a good crib that helps to prevent toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. It's a great feature for smaller parents or rooms with a limited space However, be sure to check the mattress's height prior make your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if want your crib to change with your child. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. Certain cribs, such as 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 cost hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. 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 medium height profile, which makes it easy to take your baby in and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is simple to install and folds away in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleep solution, however, since your baby will outgrow it after approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles you can use for the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib they are also more compact and easier to move around. However, they are only a temporary solution for sleeping and your baby is likely to outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib should have a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions based on your baby's growth. It must be low enough for you to reach in and out of it easily, especially if you're under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which could cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing rooms, which can make diapering easier and faster. They are useful, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials that the crib is made of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Choose a crib made from solid wood or has a metal base instead.