How To Determine If You're In The Right Position To Go After Cribs
Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide infants with a dedicated sleep space to decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, including bassinets.
If you opt for a modern style or a more traditional style Make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure that it meets the highest safety standards and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Be aware of other aspects when selecting the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As parents you are responsible for the safety of your child is your top concern. You want your child to sleep peacefully in a secure environment that is free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. Pick a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacings less than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from being trapped and an appropriate mattress that is firm and snug-fitting without drop sides; a solid crib with no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. You should also avoid bells and whistles, like bumper streamers or pads, which could cause strangulation for your baby.
Look for a crib that is painted with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to traditional glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. Also, search for a mattress that is made using non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Lastly, choose small cot beds that is devoid of decorative embellishments and cutouts that could cause injury when your child is able to grab them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. Check that the mattress cover is securely attached to the crib frame and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Avoid putting pillows, blankets, sheepskins, or similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. These could increase your baby’s risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a danger, as they could be pulled down on the baby, causing them to suffocate. Ideally, you should avoid a mobile completely and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for the health of your baby and lets you supervise them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure space for your baby to sleep is among the most important things you'll need. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby's sleep, especially when you are busy with other household chores.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or at the home goods store. These types of establishments must comply with strict regulations that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are generally the best place to begin your search for a high-quality crib. If you're looking to purchase a crib for your home, there are a few factors to take into consideration prior to purchasing.
Cribs are an excellent choice for newborns, infants and toddlers, providing a comfortable sleeping area that lasts well beyond the first few years of existence. Many cribs have convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into the size of a toddler bed or full-size bed. This will save you money and prolong its lifespan.
Another advantage of cribs is their compact footprint which makes them ideal for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models come with an adjustable table, which can be useful if your nursery space is restricted in space.
Travel cribs are also lightweight and foldable, making them simple to carry around. This makes them an ideal option for traveling with your child or visiting family and friends because you can easily pack up the crib within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. The light construction may make for a less sturdy crib than traditional models. This may be a concern to some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that will stand out in a space choose a crib with unique styling. You can find one with an elegant, minimalist design or one that is made of a material such as bamboo or glass, and has clear sides for easy access. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives, but can be a beautiful accent piece for any nursery.
Other cribs feature a more traditional look with graceful curves and molding, reminiscent of heirloom furniture. They can also be quite extravagant and are usually hand-crafted with gorgeous details. These are great options if you want a crib that can become an integral piece of furniture in the course of time and work with any theme.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular style. It is characterized by straight, smooth lines and a light, bare-wood finish. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. These cribs are great for modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood unfinished to complement your decor.
They can also serve as a changing table making it easier to change your child. This is particularly true for infants who are young and have trouble sitting up. These types of cribs usually have drawers underneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the side that can be used to create a canopy effect. These can bring a touch of class to any nursery and are a great option to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. Make sure you use a fabrics that aren't too long and is tightly anchored to your 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 or full-size beds is a great investment for any family. This feature can save you money buying four separate beds throughout your child's growth and also save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to make use of them whenever needed.
When shopping for a crib for your child, bear in mind that many models include additional features like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This allows you to customize the appearance and function of your crib. This is particularly useful when your nursery is limited in storage space. Some cribs come with wheels that can be extremely helpful in case you need to move the bed for cleaning or any other reason.
Convertible cribs are typically made of durable non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature an elegant or contemporary design that can be adapted to a variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are made of wood, while others may be constructed of metal or painted stainless steel. Some brands are committed environmental sustainability, and offer eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins are not absorbed into the environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your nursery will take some thought and research however it is an important choice that could last for a long time. Consider your options and evaluate the prices and delivery times as well as other aspects before making a decision.
5. Value
The crib is a huge piece of furniture that will make a significant impact on the design and feel of your baby's nursery. Because of that, choosing one that is in line with your preferred style or that will work well with the rest of your room's decor can make a huge impact on how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
As your child ages cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds can be used for a long time and provide you with a long-term benefit. They're also generally less expensive than full-size beds, and are able to be sold or given to a friend when your child no longer requires them.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, as the majority of the parts can be removed and cleaned, and most come with a conversion kit that allows you to convert them into the appropriate size bed for your child. Wood cribs are incredibly durable and can withstand the rigors of frequent use, with some even lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives and are therefore easier to move around when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress's height. However, they can be more worn out and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also known as dual-firm or two-stage mattresses are designed to be used for babies and toddlers. One side is soft for the infants while the other side is more rigid for toddlers. They're generally more secure than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable for older infants who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They are also typically more affordable than innerspring options.