Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, however choosing a crib is one of the most crucial choices you'll ever make. The crib in which your baby sleeps will have a significant impact on their development and health regardless of the design of the slats, or the mattress height.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails may become loose over time. Also, don't place your crib near curtains or window blinds that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
When choosing the perfect crib the size is a key factor. The crib should be large enough to fit a sleeping baby, but compact enough to allow you to reach them in a safe manner to care for them. It should also be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are constructed from wood or metal, and most come with sliding sides. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various 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 grows. The lowest setting is best for newborns, while the highest setting is suitable for babies who sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit because the slatted style of most cribs may leave small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs usually have mesh or rigid sides, and they tend to be smaller than cribs that are full-size.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you choose a crib that is not standard. They may have specific specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress size of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also test the gap between the crib and mattress to be sure it's not larger than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can help keep it clean and safe from spills or accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that reduces bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop-sides, be aware that they have been associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you plan to buy or receive a crib with drop sides for your baby, make sure to dispose of it when your child is 35 inches or has the ability to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure spot for your child. It is not only an area to rest, but also where you can observe and hold them often. There are a variety of crib models and brands available on the market. However, all must meet certain safety requirements. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall off the bed. Don't put any blankets or pillows in the crib. They can cause suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199), and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. While these rules are not directly applicable to cribs but the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should include a requirement to retighten fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to mimic and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. Loose screws are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident records. These data show that the most frequently cited dangers associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to include the performance standards already included in the current mandatory standard through reference. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the focal feature of any nursery, so it is important to choose one that suits your style and complements its decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist design or more traditional, there's a wide selection of stylish cribs to choose from. most recommended cribs can find options in every price range, from budget to upscale. Be sure that the crib you select has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a compact bed designed specifically for infants and children. It is made of sturdy materials such as wood and features slatted wall paneling to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, however they provide more functions for your baby's the first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib styles that are available, however all must meet safety standards. For instance the crib slats need to not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's approximately the size of a soda can), and you should not use ornamental cutouts or patterns in the footboard or headboard.
In addition the mattress should fit snugly inside the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause babies legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs have bars for stabilization that assist in keeping the mattress in place. If your crib does not include stabilizer bars, you'll need to buy an additional mattress pad for support.
A great crib also has a mattress that is low that prevents children from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in space. However, make sure to check out the mattress height before making your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you want an infant crib that grows with your child, think about buying a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be transformed into an infant bed or a daybed, or even a bed that is full size. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 are equipped with conversion kits. 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 less than 200 dollars and has been rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile that makes it simple to take your baby 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 patio or deck. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping because your child will outgrow it after six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easier to move around. But, they're only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should be sturdy and solid mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions, depending on the growth of your baby. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening that could cause your child to be trapped while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas, which makes diaper changing simpler and faster. Although they are convenient but they can take up more floor space than traditional cribs and may not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
You should also think about the materials that the crib is made of. Many cribs are made of particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Look for a crib that is constructed from solid wood or has a metal base instead.