A Handbook For Baby Crib From Start To Finish
Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery but choosing the crib is one of your most important decisions. The crib where your baby sleeps in will have a major impact on their health and development, whether it is the design of the slats, or the mattress height.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails could become loose over time. Avoid placing your crib near drapes or blinds hanging on the ceiling, as they could create an injury risk to your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to take into consideration when buying the right crib. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, yet small enough that you are able to reach your baby to attend to them. It should also be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and come with sides that are slatted. cribs beds are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and to ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs are available until your child reaches the age of two.
Most cribs are equipped with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to accommodate the baby's growing needs. The lowest setting is best for newborns. The most advanced setting is for infants who are able to sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure the mattress is suitable. The slatted design could leave tiny gaps that could pose a risk to your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs often have rigid or mesh sides, and they tend to be smaller than the full-size cribs.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you choose one that isn't standard. They may have specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it is not more than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can keep it clean and protected from accidents or spit-up. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer that reduces the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you are considering a crib with drop-sides, be aware that they have been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US as of 2011. If you do decide to purchase or receive a crib with drop sides ensure that you dispose of it when your child reaches 35 inches or has the ability to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It is not only an area to rest, but also where you can observe and hold them often. While there are best crib for newborn and brands of cribs available each one must comply with certain safety standards. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib make sure the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets in the crib, as they can cause death by suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should conform to formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested for compliance. Although these requirements do not directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement of tightening fasteners after dynamic tests. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to replicate and speed up the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident data. These data indicate that the two most common crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these concerns and to incorporate the standards of performance already in the current mandatory standard. By reference incorporation is the most effective method to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The crib is the focal element of any nursery, so it is important to select one that fits your style and complements the decor. There are numerous elegant cribs to choose from regardless of whether you're looking for something modern and minimalist or traditional. There are options for everyone's budget, from the cheapest to luxurious. Make sure that the crib you pick is in compliance with all the necessary safety standards.
A crib is a tiny, specially designed bed for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to ensure an airy environment and is typically constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, but they provide more functions for your baby's first three years of life.
There are a variety of types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all have to meet strict safety standards. For instance, the crib slats should not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda can) and you should stay clear of decorative cutouts or shapes in the footboard or headboard.
The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is essential because gaps between the mattress and crib can allow babies legs or arms to get entangled. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars that help keep the mattress in position. But if you have a crib that doesn't have them, ensure you buy an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A mattress that is low-level is another characteristic of a quality crib that prevents children from climbing up the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in space. However, make sure to verify the mattress's height prior your purchase. Most mattresses have a label on the corner that lists the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing a convertible crib if would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed or a full-size bed. Some of the cribs on our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits that are included. The rest 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 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile that makes it simple to take your baby into and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another affordable crib. It is easy to set up and folds down in an hour. It can be used inside or outside, on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleep solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
There are also budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that you can use for the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. They cost more but they are smaller and easier to move. However, they are only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A good crib should be sturdy and solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted into four different positions, depending on the development of your baby. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly when you're less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which could cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs are equipped with changing areas, which makes diaper changing easier and faster. Although they are convenient, they tend to take up more space than traditional cribs, and might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials the crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Look for a crib that is made from solid wood or comes with a metal base instead.