Choosing a Baby Crib

It's exciting to design a nursery however, choosing the crib will be one of your most important decisions. The crib in which your baby sleeps in will have a major impact on their development and health regardless of the style of the slats, or the mattress height.

Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails can get loose over time. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to curtains or window blinds that hang, which can pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.

Size

When choosing a crib the size is a key factor. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, yet small enough that you are able to safely reach your baby to attend to them. It should be strong enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.

The majority of cribs are constructed from wood or metal, and most come with sliding sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs can be used until your child is of two.

The majority of cribs have the mattress height which can be adjusted to suit your baby's development. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, whereas the highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure the mattress will fit. The slatted design could leave tiny gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.

Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include play yards, portable infant cot bed beds, and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and come with rigid or mesh sides.

Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case 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. It is also recommended to test the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure it's not larger than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.

A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bedding from accidents and spills. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.

If you're thinking of buying a crib that has drop-sides, know that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and are banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to buy or receive a drop-side baby crib, make sure to get rid of it once your child reaches 35 inches or can get out.

Safety

A baby crib is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It's not just an area to rest, but also where you can see and hold them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands on the market. But, they all must meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.

Before you put your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets in the crib as they could cause death by suffocation. Instead, use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.

Some commenters suggested that cribs must comply with the formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. Although these requirements are not directly applicable to cribs however, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.

Others suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement of tightening fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to simulate and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the 2nd most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.

Other comments were based on EWS incident data. These data reveal that the most common hazards associated with cribs are drop-sides and mattresses that are unsafe. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.

Style

Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the focal element of any nursery, so choose one that suits your style and compliments the decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there's a wide selection of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to luxurious. Just be certain that the crib you select conforms to all safety standards.

A crib is a small special bed designed specifically for infants and babies. It is constructed with slatted walls to ensure safe ventilation and is often constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, but they are more functional for your baby's early years.

There are a variety of types of cribs on the market, however they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, for example, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. You should also avoid decorative shapes or cutouts on the footboard and headboard.

In addition the mattress should fit snugly within the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants' arms and legs to become entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't have stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase a mattress pad to provide additional support.

A great crib also has a low sitting mattress level, which helps prevent toddlers from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is an excellent feature for parents with children who are smaller or rooms that are restricted in space. However, make sure to measure the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.

If you're looking for a crib that grows with your child, think about purchasing a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be transformed into toddler beds or a daybed, or even a cheap cot bed that is full size. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 are equipped with conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.

Budget

While most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars however, there are a few cribs available on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and is highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is medium height, making it easy to take your child in and out.

Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is easy to set up and folds down in just a few minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution for sleeping as your child will outgrow it after six months.

There are also budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also more compact and easier to move around. However, they are only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them prior to their first birthday.

A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is solid and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's size. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend over 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening This can cause your child to be trapped as they play or attempt to climb.

Some cribs have separate changing rooms that make diapering a bit easier and faster. These are convenient, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a good choice for Baby Beds smaller nurseries.

Consider the materials your crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Instead, look for a crib made from solid wood or with a steel base.