Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, however selecting the right crib is among the most important decisions you'll ever make. The crib that your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development regardless of the style of the slats, or the mattress's height.
Remember that nails and bolts may wiggle loose over time, so check your crib hardware regularly. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to curtains or window blinds that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for the perfect crib the size is a key aspect. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but small enough that you can 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 everyday use.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood, and are fitted with sides that are slatted. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and ensure adequate air flow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, while the highest setting is suitable for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure the mattress is suitable. The slatted structure can leave small gaps which could pose a risk to your baby.
Some manufacturers offer cribs with non-standard sizes and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs typically have rigid or mesh sides, and are generally smaller in size than cribs that are full-size.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress size recommendations. There could be requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should check the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure it is no more than 1 inch which is the most safe space.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's mattress from spills and accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop-sides, you should know that they've been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and are banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you decide to buy a drop-side crib or receive one as a gift make sure you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for babies is the most secure place for your child. It's a place for them to rest but also a space where you can keep them close and see them often. While there are many different cribs and brands available, each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean, free of dust and dander. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Also, don't use any pillows or blankets in the crib as they could cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet or mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be tested to ensure conformity. Although these regulations don't directly apply to cribs but the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement of tightening fasteners after dynamic tests. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to mimic and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second most frequent cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. The data shows that the two most frequent crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these issues and to incorporate the standards of performance already in the existing mandatory standard. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, so it's important to choose one that fits your style and complements the room's décor. There are many chic cribs available that you can choose from contemporary and minimalist or traditional. You can find options in every price range, from affordable to upscale. Be certain that the crib you pick meets all of the required safety standards.
A crib is a small, specially designed bed for babies and infants. It is constructed from sturdy materials such as wood and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, however they offer more functionality for your baby's early years.
There are a variety of types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all must meet strict safety standards. For instance, the crib slats should not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda bottle), and you should stay clear of decorative cutouts or shapes in the headboard or footboard.
The mattress must be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the crib and mattress could allow infants legs or arms to get entangled. Some cribs come with bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't have stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase an additional mattress pad for support.
A mattress that is low in height is another advantage of a crib that prevents toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. It's an excellent feature for smaller families or rooms with limited space, but be sure to verify the mattress's height prior make your purchase. Most mattresses include a sticker at the corner which lists 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's bed, a daybed, or even a full size bed. Some of the cribs on our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits that are included. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and has been highly rated 5 stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile, which makes it easy to take your baby in and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to assemble and folds down in an hour. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution for sleeping as your child will outgrow the product within six months.
You can also find affordable bassinets and cradles you can use for the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easy to move around. They are only a temporary sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should be sturdy and solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted into four different positions, based on the development of your baby. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are more than 1 8 inches 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 faster. They are useful however they require more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a good choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials the crib is constructed of. Many traditional cribs are made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Find a crib that is constructed out of solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.