The Most Effective Baby Crib Tricks To Change Your Life
Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, however choosing the crib is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. The crib in which your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development whether it's the design of the slats or mattress's height.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails can become loose over time. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to drapes or blinds that hang because they could pose an injury risk to your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to take into consideration when buying the perfect crib. The crib should be big enough to fit a sleeping baby, yet small enough to allow you to reach them safely to care for them. It should also be strong enough to stand up to the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and a majority include sliding sides. These features are designed to allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and to ensure adequate air flow. Cribs can be used until your child is of two.

Most cribs are equipped with a mattress height that can be adjusted to meet your baby's growth. The lowest setting is best for newborns, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Take measurements of the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted design can leave small gaps which could be hazardous for your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards and portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs usually have mesh or rigid sides, and they are usually smaller than full-size cribs.
If you opt for a crib that is not standard, make sure you look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress sizes. There could be specific specifications that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it's not more than one inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can keep it clean and protected from spit-up or accidents. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been banned in the US since 2011. If you do decide to purchase or receive a drop-side baby crib be sure to get rid of it once your child reaches 35 inches or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is the most secure spot for your child. It's a place for them to rest and also a place where you can keep them close and see them frequently. While there are many different brands and models of cribs available, each one must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you put your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean, free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animal that might fall out of the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets in the crib as they could cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must be in compliance with formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and cribs made of composite wood must be tested to ensure compliance. The CPSC has determined that, although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is appropriate to insist on the compliance of this law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners are retightened between dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard that is being developed. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The shake test and the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. Loose screw is the second most common cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident records. The data shows that the two most frequently reported crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and include the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard. The incorporation of reference standards is the best way to ensure that the cribs' safety is maintained in a uniform and effective way.
Style
It's a satisfying and thrilling experience to design your baby's nursery. The crib is the focal element of any nursery, so select one that fits your style and compliments the decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. There are options for every budget, from affordable to upscale. Just be sure that the crib you pick is in compliance with all the necessary safety guidelines.
A crib is a small crib designed especially for infants and children. It is made of sturdy materials like wood, and has slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, but they are more functional for your child's first three years of life.
There are many types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. For example the crib slats must not be more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda can), and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or designs on the footboard or headboard.
Additionally, the mattress must fit snugly within the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and mattress can cause babies legs and arms to become entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. If your crib does not come with stabilizer bars, then you'll need to purchase an additional mattress pad for support.
A mattress that is low-level is another characteristic of a quality crib that can help keep toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small in size. However, make sure to check out the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and even a bed that is full size. Some cribs on our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars however, there are a few cribs on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and has been highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has an overall profile that is medium high, making it easy to get your child in and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is easy to put together and folds 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 for sleeping as your child will grow out of the product 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 in a safe and secure environment. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easier to move around. They are only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A good crib will have a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's weight. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out easily, especially if you are under 5'5. best cots for newborns have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress, which can cause your child to be trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas which can make diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. They are handy however they require more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a suitable choice for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials your crib is made from. The majority of cribs are constructed from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Find a crib that is constructed out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.