Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but choosing the right crib is among the most crucial decisions you'll make. The crib in which your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development regardless of the design of the slats or the mattress height.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails can get loose over time. Also, don't place your crib close to drapes or window blinds that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing the right crib. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, yet small enough to allow you to reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and a majority come with the slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are available until your child reaches the age of two.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Take Read More In this article of the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted design can create small gaps that could pose a risk to your baby.
Manufacturers have cribs and mattresses that are not standard sizes, but still have the same safety standards. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs and play yards. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and come with rigid or mesh sides.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size if you choose one that isn't standard. There could be specific 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 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can keep it clean and secure from accidents or spit-up. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they've been linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US since 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or receive one from a friend, be sure to eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A baby crib is the most secure spot for your child. It's a place to relax but also a space where you can keep them close and see them often. While there are many different cribs and brands available all of them 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 dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall off the crib. Don't put any blankets or pillows inside the crib. They can cause suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to meet formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and cribs made of composite wood must be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. The CPSC has concluded that although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is a good idea to enforce the compliance of this law.
Other commenters suggested that a requirement that fasteners be retightened between dynamic tests should be included in the new crib standard. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the 2nd leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. These data show that the two most frequent crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the new rulemaking and to include the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so you should pick one that matches your style and complements the decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist style or more traditional, there are plenty of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for everyone's budget, from the cheapest to high-end. Be sure that the crib you select meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a compact, specially designed bed for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to allow for safe ventilation and is often built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, but they provide more functions for your child's the first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib designs that are available, however all must be in compliance with safety standards. The crib slats, for example, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. You should also beware of cutouts or ornaments on the footboard and headboard.
Additionally the mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants' arms or legs to get caught in. Many cribs have stabilizer bars to aid in keeping the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't come with stabilizer bars, then you'll need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A good crib also has a low sitting mattress level that prevents children from climbing over the edge of the crib. It's an excellent feature for smaller parents or rooms with limited space However, be sure to check the mattress height before you purchase. Most mattresses will include a sticker at the corner which indicates the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if would like your crib to expand with your child. click this link now can be converted into a toddler 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 have conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and has been rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile, which makes it easy for you to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable sleep-and-play option is simple to put together and folds down in two minutes. It can be used indoors or outside, on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleep solution, however, since your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cribs that can be used for the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby snug and close. They cost more but they are smaller and easier to move. They're only a temporary crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should include a sturdy, solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted into four different positions, based on the growth of your baby. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly if you're under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are over 1 8 inches above the mattress opening, which could cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs feature attached changing areas which can help diapering a bit easier and faster. Although they are convenient but they can take up more space than traditional cribs and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Look for a crib that is constructed out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.