Choosing a Baby Crib

Designing a nursery is an exciting time, but selecting a crib is one of the most crucial decisions you'll ever make. The style of slats, the mattress height or conversion capabilities the crib that your baby sleeps on will impact their health and development.

Keep in mind that bolts and nails can be loose in time, so check the crib's hardware regularly. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to curtains or window blinds that hang down, which could present a risk of strangulation for your baby.

Size

When shopping for a crib, size is an important factor. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, but small enough so that you are able to safely reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should be strong enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.

The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and most include sliding sides. These features are designed to allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and to ensure proper air flow. Cribs are utilized from birth until the child is approximately two years old, when they will have to be moved to a toddler bed.

Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is best for newborns. The most advanced setting is for infants who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the interior of your crib to be sure that the mattress fits 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 meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs, and play yards. These cribs usually come with mesh or rigid sides, and they tend to be smaller than full-size cribs.

If you opt for an alternative crib, be sure to look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress size recommendations. There could be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should test the gap between the crib and mattress to be sure that it is not more than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.

A waterproof cover can shield your baby's mattress from accidents and spills. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that eliminates allergens.

If you're thinking of buying 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 in 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with a drop-side or receive one as a gift make sure you get rid of it once your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to get out.

Safety

A crib for your baby is the safest place for your child. It's a place to relax but also a space where you can keep them close and observe them often. There are a variety of brands and models of cribs available each one must 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 you place your child in the crib, make sure it is clean and free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animal that may fall out of the Mini Cot Bed. Also, don't put 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 need to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in compliance. Although these regulations do not directly apply to cribs but the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood comply with this important new law.

Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners between dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to replicate and increase the use cots and tots abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.

Other comments were based on the EWS incident records. These data show that the most frequent hazards associated with cribs are drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We therefore decided to focus on these concerns in the new rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are currently included in the current mandatory standard, with reference. Incorporation by reference is the best method to ensure the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and efficient way.

Style

It's an enjoyable and thrilling experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, so it is essential to pick one that is in keeping with your style and compliments your room's décor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist design or more traditional, there are lots of stylish cribs to choose from. There are cribs for every budget, from the cheapest to high-end. Be sure that the crib you select is safe and meets all safety standards.

A crib is a tiny bed designed specifically for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to ensure an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, however they offer more functionality for your child's the first three years of life.

There are many styles of cribs available on the market, however they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib's slats for instance, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. You should also avoid decorative shapes or cutouts on the footboard and headboard.

The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the crib and mattress can allow babies' arms or legs to get caught in. Many cribs include bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't include stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.

A mattress that is low in height is another characteristic of a crib that can help keep toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. It's a great feature for smaller parents or rooms with limited space However, be sure to measure the mattress's height prior to you make your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will list the crib sets's maximum and minimum mattress heights.

Consider purchasing a convertible crib if would like your crib to expand with your child. These types of cribs can be turned into toddler beds, a daybed and even a full-size cheap cot bed. Some of the cribs on our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.

Budget

While most 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, for example, costs less than $200 and has been 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 into and out.

Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to set up and folds up in an hour. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a long-term solution for sleeping because your child will grow out of the product within six months.

There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cribs that can be used for the beginning of the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby close and comfortable. While they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also smaller and easier to move around. But, they're only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before the first birthday.

A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's weight. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out of it easily, especially when you're less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend more than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.

Some cribs come with separate changing rooms which can make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. While they are useful however, they take up more space than traditional cribs and may not be the best crib for newborn choice for smaller nurseries.

You should also think about the materials that the crib is made from. Many traditional cribs are made of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Instead, choose a crib that is made of solid wood or with a steel base.