How To Tell If You're Prepared For Baby Crib
Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting time, but choosing the crib is one of the most important decisions you will make. The crib where your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their development and health whether it's the style of the slats or mattress height.
Remember that bolts and nails can wiggle loose over time, so check your crib's hardware frequently. Avoid placing best cot beds near drapes or blinds that hang on the ceiling, as they could create an injury risk to your baby.
Size
When you are looking for a crib the size is a key aspect. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, yet small enough to allow you to reach them in a safe manner to care for them. It should also be durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and a majority have sliding sides. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and to ensure proper air flow. Cribs can be used from birth until the child is around two years old. old, when they will need to be moved into the toddler bed.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure the mattress will fit. The slatted design can leave small gaps which could be dangerous to your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that have the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include portable infant beds, bassinets, and play yards. These cribs often have rigid or mesh sides, and are generally smaller in size than cribs that are full-size.
If you opt for a crib that is not standard, make sure you review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size guidelines. There could be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bedding from spills and accidents. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that eliminates allergens.
If you are considering a crib with drop-sides, you should know that they were linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US as of. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one from a friend, be sure to remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It's not just an area for rest but also where you can observe and hold them often. There are a myriad of models and brands of cribs on the market, each one must comply with certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before putting your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animal that might fall out of the bed. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets inside the crib, as they can cause suffocation. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested for compliance. The CPSC has determined that, even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is still appropriate to insist on compliance with this important law.
Others suggested that a requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be added to the new crib standard. We strongly oppose this suggestion. weblink and vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up abuse of cribs. Loose screws are the second leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident records. These data show that the two most frequent crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We therefore decided to focus on these issues in the rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are already contained in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. Incorporation by reference is the most effective method to ensure the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and efficient manner.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting process to design your baby's nursery. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, so it's important to choose one that is in keeping with your style and complements the room's décor. There are numerous stylish cribs available regardless of whether you're looking for something modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to upscale. Make sure that the crib you select meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a small bed that is specifically designed for babies and infants. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and has slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets, but offer greater functionality for the first three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of crib designs available, but all of them must be safe to use. For example the crib slats need to be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda can) and you should stay clear of ornamental cutouts or patterns in the headboard or footboard.
Additionally the mattress should be able to fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the mattress and crib can allow babies' arms or legs to get entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars that assist in keeping the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't come with stabilizer bars, then you will need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A quality crib also comes with a mattress that is low, which helps prevent children from stepping over the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with children who are smaller or rooms that are small in size. But, be sure to measure the mattress's height prior your purchase. Most mattresses have a sticker at the corner which shows the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and even a full-size bed. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 have conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs on the market that are budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile which makes it easier to take your baby into and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is simple to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or out on decks or patios. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution to sleeping, as your child will outgrow it within six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cribs that can be used for the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. They are more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. But, they're only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A quality crib will include 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, particularly if you're under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend more than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress This can cause your child to get stuck while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs feature an attached changing area which can make diapering a bit easier and faster. These are convenient however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a good choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials the crib is made of. Many cribs are made of particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Look for a crib that is made from solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.