Are Baby Crib Really As Vital As Everyone Says
Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, but selecting the right crib is among the most crucial decisions you'll make. It doesn't matter what style of slats, the mattress height or the ability to convert the crib your baby sleeps in will impact their health and development.
Be aware that nails and bolts can wiggle loose over time, so be sure to check your crib's hardware frequently. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to window blinds or drapes that hang, which can create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing the right crib. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but small enough to allow you to be able to reach them easily and care for them. It should be strong enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made out of metal or wood, and the majority of them come with the slatted sides. These features let caregivers view the cheap baby cots from various angles and promote 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 ideal for infants, whereas the highest setting is suitable for babies who sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to be sure that the mattress fits as the slatted structure of most cribs can create small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Manufacturers offer mattresses and cribs that are not standard sizes, but have the same safety standards. These include bassinets, portable infant cheap cot beds, and play yards. These cribs typically have rigid or mesh sides, and tend to be smaller than full-size cribs.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you select one that isn't standard. They might have specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions 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 for your baby's mattress can help keep it clean and safe from spit-up or accidents. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and have been banned in the US since 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or receive one as a hand-me-down make sure you eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to get out.
Safety
A baby crib is the safest place for your child. It's not just an area for rest but also a place to see and hold them frequently. There are a myriad of brands and models of cribs available all of them must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before putting your child in the crib, make sure it is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, remove any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any blankets or pillows in the crib; these can cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet or mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to comply with the 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 ensure conformity. The CPSC has determined that, even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is still appropriate to enforce conformity with this important law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the second most common cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. The data shows that the two most common crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our focus on these issues and include the standards of performance already in the standard that is currently mandatory. Incorporation by reference is the most effective way to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and efficient manner.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting process designing your baby's nursery. The crib is the focal feature of any nursery, so it is important to select one that fits your style and complements its decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist design or more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. There are cribs for every budget, from the cheapest to upscale. Be sure that the crib you choose has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a compact bed that is specially designed for infants and children. It is constructed with slatted walls to ensure an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are often larger and more expensive than bassinets, but they are more functional during the first three years of your child's life.
There are many types of cribs that are available on the market, however they all have to meet strict 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 avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the footboard and headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and the mattress can allow babies' arms or legs to get entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A great crib also has a mattress that is low that prevents toddlers from stepping over the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are limited in size. However, it is important to verify the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed and even a full-size bed. A few 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 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 is less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile which makes it easier to get your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another affordable crib. This portable sleep and play option is easy to put together and folds in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or out on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleep solution, however, because your baby will grow out of it after about six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your baby close and comfortable. Although 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 is likely to outgrow them before the first birthday.
A good crib should have a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted in four different positions, based on the development of your baby. It must be low enough to let you reach into and out easily, particularly if you are under 5'5. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to get trapped as they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs are equipped with changing rooms, which can make diapering easier and faster. While these are convenient but they can take up more floor space than traditional cribs and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials that the crib is made from. A lot of cribs beds made of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Find a crib that is constructed from solid wood or comes with a metal base instead.