Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, however choosing a crib is one of the most crucial decisions you'll ever make. The style of slats, the mattress height or the ability to convert, the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their development and health.
Remember that nails and bolts can become loose over time, so check your crib's hardware frequently. Also, don't place your crib close to curtains or window blinds that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a crib. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, yet small enough that you can reach them safely to care for them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and the majority of them come with the slatted sides. Baby beds are designed to allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and ensure adequate air flow. Cribs can be used up until your child is of two.
Baby Cot have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, while the highest setting is good for babies who sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit, as the slatted design of a lot of cribs create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you choose one that isn't standard. There could be requirements that are different 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 make sure it's not more than 1 inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can keep it clean and protected from spills or accidents. Choose one with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were linked to 32 deaths of babies 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, be sure to remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is one of the safest places to let your child sleep. It's not just a place to rest but also where you can observe and hold them often. There are a myriad of models and brands of cribs on the market all of them must be able to meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you place your baby in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets inside the crib as they could cause suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested cribs should be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards set forth 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 compliance. While these rules are not directly applicable to cribs but the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement to tighten fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. These data reveal that the most frequent hazards associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our focus on these issues and incorporate the standards of performance already in the standard that is currently mandatory. By reference incorporation is the best way to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a uniform and effective manner.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting process designing your baby's nursery. The crib is the main focal element of any nursery, so it is important to pick one that matches your style and compliments the decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are plenty of stylish cribs to choose from. There are cribs for every budget, from affordable to luxurious. Make sure that the crib you choose is in compliance with all the necessary safety standards.
cot beds is a small bed that is specially designed for infants and babies. It features slatted walls to ensure adequate ventilation and is usually built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, but they provide more functions for your child's first three years of life.
There are a variety of types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all must meet strict safety standards. For instance the crib slats need to not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda bottle) and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or designs in the headboard or footboard.
The mattress must be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to become entangled. Many cribs have bars for stabilization that aid in keeping the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't include stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A great crib also has a low sitting mattress level that prevents toddlers from stepping over the crib's edge. It's a great option for smaller parents or rooms with limited space However, be sure to measure the mattress height before you make your purchase. The majority of mattresses will include a sticker at the corner which indicates the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you want a crib that grows with your child, consider buying a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be transformed into toddler beds as well as a daybed or a bed that is full size. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost 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 is less than 200 dollars and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a profile that is moderate in height, making it easy to get your child inside and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable crib for sleep and play is simple to put together and folds in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleeping solution, however, as your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
You can also find affordable cradles and bassinets that can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. While they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also more compact and easy to move around. But, they're only a temporary solution for sleeping and your baby is likely to outgrow them before the first birthday.
A quality crib will have a mattress support that is strong and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's size. It should be low enough for you to reach in and out of it easily, particularly when you're less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are more than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress that could cause your child to be stuck while they play or try to climb.
Some cribs have an attached changing area which can make diapering a bit easier and faster. These are convenient however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a suitable option for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Instead, opt for a crib made from solid wood or with a metal base.