5 Baby Crib Instructions From The Professionals
Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but choosing a 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 that your baby sleeps on will impact their health and development.
Remember that bolts and nails can be loose in time, so make sure you check the crib's hardware regularly. Also, don't place your crib near drapes or window blinds that hang, which can present a risk of strangulation for your baby.
Size
When choosing a crib, size is an important factor. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, yet small cot beds enough that you can safely reach your child to listen to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and a majority come with sliding sides. These features allow caregivers to see the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is around two years old. old, when they will require moving into the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs have 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. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to be sure that the mattress is suitable because the slatted style of most cribs may leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that are not standard sizes, but still comply with the same safety standards. These include bassinets, portable infant beds and play yards. These cribs often come with mesh or rigid sides, and are usually smaller than full-size cribs.
If you choose a crib that is not standard, make sure you check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size guidelines. There may be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also important to check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it is not more than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can keep it clean and protected from spit-up or accidents. Find one that has an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that blocks allergens.
If you're considering a crib that has drop-sides, you should know that they've been associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and were banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or receive one as a hand-me-down make sure you remove it when 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 not just an area to rest, but also a place to be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are a variety of crib models and brands on the market. But, they all must meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you put your baby in the crib, make sure the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the bed. Also, don't use any blankets or pillows in the crib as they could cause death by suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards set 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. While these rules are not directly applicable to cribs, 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.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement to tighten fasteners after 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 simulate and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. The loose screw is the second most common cause of crib deaths.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident data. These data show that the two most common crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It's a satisfying and exciting experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so it is important to choose one that suits your style and compliments the decor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist look or something more traditional, there's a wide selection of stylish cribs to choose from. There are options for everyone's budget, from the cheapest to luxurious. Make sure that the crib you pick conforms to all safety standards.
A crib is a tiny special bed designed specifically for infants and children. It features slatted walls to provide adequate ventilation and is usually built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, however they are more functional for your child's first three years of life.
There are many crib styles that are available, however all must be in compliance with safety standards. For example the crib slats must be no more than 6 centimeters apart (that's roughly the width of a soda container) and you should avoid using ornamental cutouts or designs in the footboard or headboard.
The mattress must be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the crib and the mattress can allow babies' arms or legs to become entangled. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars that help keep the mattress in place. However, if you own a crib that doesn't, ensure you buy mattress pads for additional support.
A great crib (click the next site) also has a low sitting mattress level, which helps prevent toddlers from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are limited in space. But, be sure to verify the mattress height before making your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want your crib to change with your child. These cribs can be turned into toddler beds, a daybed and even a bed that is full size. Some of the 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 additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs 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 for you to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable play and sleep option is simple to install and folds away in just a few minutes. It can be used inside or outside, on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a long-term solution for sleeping as your child will grow out of the product within six months.
You can also find affordable bassinets and cradles that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. They are more expensive, but they are also smaller and easier to move. They are only a temporary crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A good cribs crib should include a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions, depending on your baby's growth. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out easily, particularly when you are less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the opening of the mattress This can cause your child to get trapped as they play or try to climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas, which makes diaper changing simpler and faster. While these are convenient, they tend to take up more space than traditional cribs and might not be the best crib option for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials the crib is made from. Many traditional cribs are made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Instead, choose a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.