Why Baby Crib Is Your Next Big Obsession
Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery but choosing the crib is one of the most crucial choices. The crib that your baby sleeps in will have a major impact on their health and development regardless of the design of the slats, or the mattress height.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails could get loose over time. Also, don't place your crib close to drapes or window blinds that hang, which can present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
When shopping for a crib the size is a key aspect. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but small enough that you can reach them safely to care for them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed from metal or wood and a majority have slatted sides. These features are designed to allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs are used from birth until the child is approximately two years of age, at which point they have to be moved to the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, while the highest setting is ideal for babies who can sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the interior of your crib to make sure that the mattress is suitable as the slatted structure of most cribs can leave tiny gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include portable infant beds, bassinets and play yards. These cribs usually have rigid or mesh sides, and tend to be smaller than full-size cribs.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size if you select a crib that is not standard. They might have specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress size of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. It is also recommended to examine the distance between the crib and mattress to make sure that it is not more than 1 inch which is the most safe space.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can help keep it clean and protected from spills or accidents. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that reduces the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were associated with 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010, and have been outlawed in the US from 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with a drop-side or receive one as a gift make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can be able to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It's not just an area for rest but also where you can observe and hold them often. There are a myriad of brands and models of cribs available, each one must meet certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean, free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets within the crib. They could cause death by suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs must comply with the formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected 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 enforce compliance with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement of tightening fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test - are designed to simulate and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. The 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 common crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our attention on these issues and include the standards of performance already in the existing mandatory standard. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting process to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the main focal point of any nursery, so choose one that suits your style and compliments the decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist design or more traditional, there are plenty of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for every budget, from affordable to upscale. Make sure that the crib you choose conforms to all safety standards.
A crib is a tiny bed that is specifically designed for babies and infants. It is constructed of durable materials like wood and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, however they offer more functionality for your baby's early years.
There are a variety of crib designs available, but all of them must be safe to use. The crib slats, for instance, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the headboard and footboard.
The mattress should also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs and arms to get caught in the crib. Many cribs have stabilizer bars to assist in keeping the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn't, be sure to buy mattress pads for additional support.
A quality crib also comes with a low-sitting mattress that prevents children from stepping over the edge of the crib. It's an excellent feature for smaller parents or rooms that are small However, be sure to verify the mattress height before you purchase. The corner of most mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you are looking for a crib that can grow with your child, you should consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed or even a full-size bed. mini cotbed , such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. 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 budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile that makes it simple for you to get your baby in and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. The portable sleep and play option is easy to assemble and folds up in two minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleeping solution, however, as your baby will outgrow it in about 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. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easy to move around. They're only a temporary sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib should include a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted into four different positions, depending on the development of your baby. It must also be low enough to allow you to reach into and out easily, especially when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening, which could cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing areas that can make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. Although they are convenient but they can take up more floor space than traditional cribs and may not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials that the crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Look for a crib made from solid wood or has a metal base instead.