Cribs Tips From The Top In The Industry
Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib provides infants with a dedicated sleep space to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and encourages a regular sleeping routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, including bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern design or a traditional style, be sure to check if it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. Also, consider other features to determine the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent you are responsible for the safety of your baby is a top priority. You want your child to sleep peacefully in an environment free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. Pick a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
There are numerous things to consider, including slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inch so your baby's arms or legs aren't entangled. Also, a mattress with a firm and snug fit with no drop sides; stable cribs without wobbling parts and a clear instruction on assembly. You should also avoid bells and whistles, like bumper streams or pads, as they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for a crib painted with low-VOC paint that is a safer choice to glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. Find mattresses made of organic foam and cotton.
Pick a crib with no ornaments or cutouts. They could cause injuries should your child pick them up or gets their fingers stuck in them. Check that the mattress cover is tightly fitted to the frame of the crib and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame. Also, you should avoid putting pillows, quilts, comforters pillows, sheepskins or similar stuffed toys in the crib, because they can increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also be a risk, since they could be pushed down on the baby and cause the baby to suffocate. It is recommended to choose a crib mattress made of mesh that is breathable instead of a mobile. This is better for your baby's health and will let you keep an eye on your child as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most crucial things your baby will require is a safe place to sleep. Cribs provide a convenient spot for your little one to relax, which can be particularly helpful when you're busy tending to other household chores or activities.
You'll probably find cribs at your local home goods store or nursery. These types of establishments have to follow strict guidelines set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are generally the best place to start your search for a top quality crib. If you're looking to purchase a crib for your home, there are many things to consider prior to purchasing.
Cribs are an excellent choice for infants, newborns and toddlers, providing an incredibly comfortable bed that will last for their first few years of life. Many models feature convertible features that allow you to convert them into toddler beds or full size beds, which can help you save money and extend the lifespan of your crib purchase.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their compact footprint, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces such as lofts or apartments. Some models also include an area for changing which can be helpful in the event that you are limited on space in your nursery.
Travel cribs are also light and foldable, making them easy to move. This makes them a great option when you're traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family because you can easily take the crib down in a few minutes before leaving. However, the lightweight construction of travel cribs may cause less durable construction than standard models which could be a concern for some parents.
3. Style
Find a crib that has distinctive design if want it to stand out. There are cribs with an elegant, minimalist design or made from a material such as bamboo or glass. It may also feature transparent sides for easy observation. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives but can be a beautiful focal piece in any nursery.
Some cribs have a more traditional look with graceful curves and moldings, reminiscent of furniture from the past. They can also be elaborate and are typically handcrafted with gorgeous details. They are a great option for a crib that will become a favorite piece of furniture for your family over time and work with any style.
Another style that is popular is a Scandinavian-style crib that has smooth straight lines and a light, unfinished wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. They're great for any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to complement your decor.
Cribs that can serve as a combination of a changing table can help you change your baby, particularly when they're younger and have trouble sitting up on their own. These models usually have drawers underneath to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as a canopy. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery and will keep your baby comfortable and cool as they sleep. But, make sure that the fabric you choose is not too long or is securely fixed to the crib. This will stop your child from reaching out to grab the fabric or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed is an excellent investment for any family. This feature allows you to save money as you do not have to purchase four separate beds as your child grows and also saves space in the nursery. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that can be stored easily, making them easy to set up and use at any time.
Another important thing to consider when you're looking for a crib is that many cribs have additional features, like drawers or adjustable mattress heights. This lets you customize the look and functionality of your crib. It is especially useful in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs even have wheels which can be extremely useful when you need to move the bed to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs typically are constructed from durable non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have a contemporary or classic design that can suit a wide range of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed from wood as well as others made out of steel or painted. Some brands are even committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD GOLD-certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins leak into the environment.
It will take some time and effort to choose the most suitable convertible crib for you nursery. But, it's an investment that will last for years. Look at your options and compare prices as well as delivery times and other aspects before making a decision.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and has a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Therefore, selecting one that is in line with your preferred style or that will work well with the other decor elements in your room can make a huge difference in how you feel about the nursery when you are there.
As your child grows older, cribs designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds are still useful, giving you an advantage over time. They are also less expensive than a full-size beds and can be donated or sold to a friend when your child is no longer in need of.
top rated cots can also be easily maintained since the majority of parts can be taken off and cleaned, and a lot have a conversion kit that makes it easy to convert them into the right size bed for your baby. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are robust. Some even last multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and are more maneuverable when changing sheets or altering the mattress height. They can wear out faster and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning through toddlerhood, with one side that is softer for infants and a firmer side for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses, and are more comfortable for older children who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They're typically cheaper than innerspring mattresses.