Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting experience, but choosing the crib is one of the most crucial decisions you will make. Whether it's the style of slats, the mattress height or the ability to convert the crib your baby sleeps in will affect their development and health.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails can become loose with time. Also, don't place your crib close to window blinds or drapes that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to consider when shopping for the right crib. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but compact enough that you can be able to reach them easily and care for them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and come with sides that are slatted. These features allow caregivers to view the baby from various angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs can be used until your child is of two.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, while the highest setting is ideal for babies who sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress is suitable. The slatted design could create small gaps that could be hazardous to your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that are not standard sizes, yet comply with the same safety standards. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs and play yards. These cribs are smaller than full-size cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you decide to purchase a crib that isn't standard. 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 ensure it's not more than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover will protect your baby's bedding from accidents and spills. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer to cut down on the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib with drop sides, be aware that they've been linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010. They have been outlawed in the US from 2011. Even if you decide to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one from a friend ensure that you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or has the ability to get out.
Safety
A baby crib is among the most secure places to let your child sleep. It is not only a place to rest but also a place to observe and hold them often. There are a myriad of models and brands of cribs on the market, each one must meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before putting your baby in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets inside the crib, as they can cause the suffocation of children. Instead, use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that
top ranked cribs should be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to determine if they are in compliance. 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 of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened again between dynamic tests should be included in the new crib standard. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to simulate and speed up the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. The data shows that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these concerns in the rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are already included in the existing mandatory standard through reference. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It's an enjoyable and thrilling experience designing your baby's nursery. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so it is important to choose one that suits your style and complements its decor. If you're looking for a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there's a wide selection of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for every budget, from affordable to high-end. Make sure that the
crib sets you choose meets all of the required safety guidelines.
A crib is a tiny bed that is specifically designed for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to provide an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets
cots and tots can be more expensive, but they offer more functionality for your child's first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib designs that are available, however all must be in compliance with safety standards. For instance, the crib slats should not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda bottle), and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or designs on the footboard or headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the
great crib and the mattress can cause babies legs and arms to become entangled. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase mattress pads for additional support.
A
great crib also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents children from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small in space. However, make sure to verify the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. Most mattresses include a sticker on the corner that shows the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you want a crib that can grow with your child, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a bed that is full size. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile that makes it simple to take your
Baby beds in and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable sleep-and-play option is simple to put together and folds down in two minutes. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution to sleeping because your child will outgrow the product within six months.
