What Baby Crib Experts Want You To Learn
Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but selecting the crib is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Whether it's the style of slats, the mattress height or conversion capabilities the crib the baby sleeps in will affect their development and health.
Be aware that nails and bolts can wiggle loose over time, so check your crib's hardware frequently. Be sure to avoid placing your crib near curtains or window blinds that hang down, which could pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for the perfect crib the size is a key factor. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, yet small enough to allow you to reach them safely to take care of them. It should be strong enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and the majority of them have sliding sides. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and ensure adequate air flow. Cribs can be used from birth until the child is around two years old. older, at which point they will need to be moved into the toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting works best infant cribs for infants. The highest setting is ideal for babies who can sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted design could leave tiny gaps that could pose a risk to your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that meet the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard ones and come with solid or mesh sides.
If you choose a non-standard crib, check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size guidelines. They may have specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also check the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure that it is not more than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.
A waterproof cover can shield your baby's bedding from spills and accidents. Choose one with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria, and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been banned in the US from 2011. If you do decide to purchase or receive a crib with drop sides, make sure to get rid of it once your child is 35 inches or can climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is the most secure place for your child. It's not just an area to rest, but also a place to be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are many crib models and brands on the market. However, all must meet certain safety standards. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they ensure that the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you place your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean, free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets within the crib. They could cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to comply with the 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 regulations are not directly applicable to cribs however, the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to demand 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 in between dynamic tests. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The shake test and vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the 2nd most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. These data reveal that the most frequent dangers associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we have decided to focus on these issues in the rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are currently contained in the existing mandatory standard through reference. By incorporating them by reference, we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so it is important to pick one that matches your style and complements the decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs cots to tots pick from. There are options for every budget, from the most affordable to luxurious. Just be certain that the crib you select is in compliance with all the necessary safety standards.
A crib is a compact bed that is specifically designed for babies and infants. It features slatted walls to provide adequate ventilation and is usually constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs can be larger and more expensive than bassinets, but offer greater functionality during the initial three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of types of cribs on the market, but they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib slats, as an example, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. It is also recommended to beware of cutouts or ornaments in the headboard and footboard.
The mattress should also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs and arms to get caught in the crib. Many cribs have bars for stabilization that aid in keeping the mattress in its place. If your crib does not come with stabilizer bars, then you'll need to buy a mattress pad to provide additional support.
A great crib also has a mattress that is low, which helps prevent toddlers from stepping over the edge of the crib. It's a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms with limited space However, be sure to check the mattress's height prior purchase. The corner of most mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full-size bed. Some cribs on our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. The rest will require an extra 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 is priced at less than 200 dollars and is 5 stars top rated cots by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile that makes it simple for you to get your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable sleep and play option is simple to put together and folds in a matter of minutes. It can be used inside or outside, on decks or patios. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution to sleeping as your child will outgrow the product after six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cradles that can be used for the initial few months, which allows you to keep your baby snug and close. They cost more, but they are also smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A quality crib should be sturdy and secure mattress support that can be adjusted in 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, particularly in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs come with separate changing rooms that can make diapering a little easier and faster. These are convenient, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be the best cots for newborns choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials the crib is made of. Many cribs are made of particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Choose a crib that is constructed out of solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.