Cribs Tools To Help You Manage Your Daily Life
Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer infants an exclusive sleeping space to decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent routine of sleeping. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
Whether you choose a contemporary design or a more traditional design ensure that it's GreenGuard Gold certified to ensure that it meets the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Consider other options to choose the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As parents you are responsible for the safety of your child is of paramount importance. You want your baby to sleep soundly in a secure environment, free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. It is essential to select a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) strict standards.
These include slat spacing not more than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's head, arms or legs from getting trapped in the mattress; an appropriate mattress that is firm and snug-fitting without drop sides; a stable crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid using any bells or whistles such as bumper pads or streamers that can strangle your baby.
Choose a crib that has been coated with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to traditional varnishes and glues which release harmful chemicals into the air. In addition, you should search for a mattress that is made of non-toxic materials such as cotton and organic foam.
Finally, pick a crib that is devoid of decorative ornaments and cutouts, which can cause injury if your baby is able to grab them or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure the mattress cover is securely attached to the frame of the crib and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or sheepskins, as well as similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. These can increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles are also dangerous, as they could fall towards the baby, causing them to choke. It is recommended to choose an infant crib with a mesh structure that is breathable, instead of a mobile. This is more beneficial for your baby's health and will allow you to monitor your little one while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most crucial things your baby will require is a safe place to sleep. Cribs are an excellent place for your baby to sleep, especially when you are busy with other household chores.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or at a home goods store. These establishments must adhere to strict guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best place to start your search for a quality crib. You'll need to consider a variety of aspects prior to purchasing a crib.
Cribs provide a comfy sleeping space for toddlers, infants and babies that last well beyond the initial months of life. Many cribs come with convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into the size of a toddler bed or full-size bed. This will help you save money on your purchase and extend its life.
Another benefit of cribs is their compact footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces such as lofts or apartments. Some models also come with an area for changing which could be useful if you have limited room in your nursery.
affordable cots provide a similar degree of convenience, since they're designed to be lightweight and foldable for easy transport. They're an excellent choice to travel with your baby or visiting family and friends since they are easy to pack into a suitcase before you leave. The lightweight construction can also result in a less sturdy crib than standard models. This might be a concern to some parents.
3. Style
Choose a crib with a unique design if you want it to stand out. There are cribs with an elegant, minimalist design or constructed from something like bamboo or glass. It may also have clear sides that allow for easy access to. They are usually more expensive than their solid wood counterparts however they can be an attractive focal point to any nursery.
Other cribs have an older style with elegant curves and moldings. They also have an appearance that reminds of heirloom pieces. They can be extremely extravagant, and are generally handcrafted with beautiful details. These are excellent options to consider if you're in search of a crib that can become an important family heirloom in the future. They can also go well with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular style. It is characterized by straight, smooth lines and an ethereal, bare-wood look. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. These cribs are great for a modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave them unfinished to fit in with your decor.
They can also serve as a changing table making it easier to change your baby. This is especially important for infants who are young and have difficulty sitting up. These cribs come with drawers for storing wipes, diapers and other necessities.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as an umbrella. These can add a touch elegant to any nursery and help keep your baby comfy and cool while they sleep. However, be sure that the fabric you choose isn't too long or that it is securely attached to the crib. This will ensure your child isn't able to reach out and grab the fabric and pull it back.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size bed is an excellent investment for any family. This feature lets you save money since you don't have to purchase four separate beds as your child grows, and it also helps to save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to use them when required.
Another thing to keep in mind while shopping for a crib is that many cribs have additional features, such as drawers or adjustable mattress heights. This allows you to alter the look and functionality of your crib. This is particularly useful in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels, which can be extremely helpful when you need to move the bed around for cleaning or for any other reason.
Convertible cribs are usually constructed with sturdy non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and meet the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature modern or classic designs that can be adapted to a wide variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, whereas others can be made from stainless steel painted or metal. Certain brands are committed to sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins do not leach into the surrounding environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your baby requires some thought and research, but it is an important decision that will last for a long time. Look at your options and evaluate the prices and delivery times as well as other aspects before making a decision.
5. Value
The crib is a massive piece of furniture that will have a significant impact on the appearance and feel of the nursery of your baby. Therefore, selecting one that matches your preferred style or that will work well with the rest of your room decor will make a big impact on how you feel about the nursery as you are there.
Similar to cribs that are designed to transform into toddler beds or daybeds increase their value as your child grows, providing you long-term value. They are also less expensive than full-size bed and can be lent or sold to a relative once your child is no longer in need of.
Convertible cribs are also easily maintained, as most parts can be taken off and cleaned, and many come with a conversion set that allows you to transform them into the perfect size bed for your baby. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are durable. Some even last through several children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives which makes them more convenient to move around when changing sheets or adjusting mattress height. However, they may wear out more quickly and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning to toddlerhood, having a side that's softer for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. They are generally safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable to older children who don't like the sagging feeling of foam. They are usually more affordable than innerspring alternatives.