Why Baby Crib Will Be Your Next Big Obsession
Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but selecting the crib is one of the most important decisions you will make. The design of the slats, mattress height or the capability to convert the crib that your baby sleeps on will impact their health and development.
Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails may get loose over time. Also, don't place your crib near window blinds or drapes that hang, which can pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to consider when shopping for the perfect crib. The crib should be large enough to fit a sleeping baby, yet small enough for you to reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should also be sturdy enough to stand up to the wear and tear of regular use.
Most cribs are made of metal or wood, and are fitted with slatted side panels. These features allow caregivers to see the baby cots on sale from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is about two years old. older, at which point they will have to be moved to a toddler bed.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is suitable for infants, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who can sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted structure can create small gaps that could be hazardous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include bassinets, portable infant beds, and play yards. These cribs often have rigid or mesh sides, and are usually smaller than full-size cribs.
If you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard, make sure you look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress sizes. There could be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it's not more than 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bed from accidents and spills. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop-sides, be aware that they've been associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and were banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to buy a drop-side crib or receive one as a hand-me-down, be sure to remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is the most secure spot for your child. It is a place to relax and also a place where you can keep them close and see them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands on the market. However, all must meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before you place your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the bed. Do not place any pillows or blankets inside the crib. They could cause suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be tested for conformity. Although these requirements are not directly applicable to cribs however, the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood comply with this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement of tightening fasteners in between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The shake test and the vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. The loose screw is the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. These data indicate that the two most frequently reported 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 include the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting process designing your baby's nursery. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's important to choose one that matches your style and compliments your room's décor. There are many chic cribs available, whether you want something modern and minimalist or more traditional. You can find options in every price range, from budget to upscale. Make sure that the crib you select has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny bed designed specifically for babies and infants. It has slatted walls that provide safe ventilation and is often constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs can be larger 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 styles available, but all of them must meet safety standards. The crib's slats for example, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. You should also beware of cutouts or ornaments in the footboard and headboard.
The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is essential because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants' arms or legs to get caught in. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in its place. But if you have an unstabilized crib, ensure you buy mattress pads cot for sale additional support.
A great crib also has a mattress that is low that helps keep toddlers from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature best cots for newborns parents with small children or rooms that are limited in space. But, be sure to verify the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you're looking for an infant crib that grows with your child, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a toddler bed, a daybed and even a full-size bed. A few of the cribs on our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. The rest will 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 costs less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has an overall profile that is medium height, making it simple to get your child inside and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is simple to put together and folds up in two minutes. It can be used indoors or out on decks or patios. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleeping solution, however, as your baby will grow out of it after approximately six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. They cost more, but they are also smaller and easier to move. They are only a temporary sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A quality crib should include a sturdy, solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted to four different positions, based on your baby's growth. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out of it easily, particularly when you're less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which can cause your baby to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas, which makes diaper changing simpler and quicker. While these are convenient, they tend to take up more space than traditional cribs, and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials the crib is constructed of. Many cribs are constructed of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Look for a crib that is constructed from solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.