Are Baby Crib As Important As Everyone Says?
Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, however choosing a crib is one of the most important decisions you will make. Whether it's the style of slats, the mattress height or the capability to convert the crib your baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.
Keep in mind that nails and bolts can become loose over time, so check your crib hardware regularly. Be sure to avoid placing your crib near curtains or window blinds that hang down, which could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing the perfect crib. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleeping baby, but compact enough for you to reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of wood or metal and have side panels that are slatted. These features are designed to let caregivers view the baby from different angles and ensure adequate air flow. Cribs are available until your child reaches the age of two.
Most cribs are equipped with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to suit your baby's growth. The lowest setting works best for babies. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure that the mattress will fit. The slatted design can leave tiny gaps that could be dangerous to your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, yet have the same safety standards. These include portable infant beds, bassinets, and play yards. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and come with mesh or rigid sides.
Review the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you decide to purchase a crib that isn't standard. There may be specific specifications that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also recommended to 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 for your baby's mattress can help keep it clean and safe from accidents or spit-up. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been banned in the US from 2011. Even if you plan to buy a drop-side crib or get one from a friend, be sure to remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the safest place for your child. It's not just a place to rest but also where you can see and hold them frequently. While there are many different cribs and brands on the market, each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you place your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Use no blankets or pillows within the crib. Baby Cot Bed can lead to death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected for conformity. Although these regulations are not directly applicable to cribs but 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.
Other commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be added to the new crib standard. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test and vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. The loose screw is the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident records. The data shows that the two most frequent crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We decided to focus our focus on these issues and include the standards of performance already in the current mandatory standard. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting process to design the nursery of your baby's. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it is essential to pick one that fits your style and compliments your room's decor. There are many chic cribs available regardless of whether you're looking for something contemporary and minimalist or traditional. There are options for every budget, from affordable to luxurious. Make sure the crib you select meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny bed designed specifically for infants and children. It is constructed from sturdy materials such as wood and has slatted wall panels to allow for safe ventilation. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, however they provide more functions for your baby's the first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all must be in compliance with safety standards. The crib slats, as an instance, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. You should also avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the headboard and footboard.
The mattress should be able to fit comfortably into the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies legs and arms to become entangled. Many cribs come with bars for stabilization that help keep the mattress in its place. If Baby Cot Bed doesn't include stabilizer bars, you will need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A good crib also has a low sitting mattress level that helps keep toddlers from climbing over the edge of the crib. It's an excellent feature for parents with smaller children or rooms with a limited space Be sure to measure the mattress's height prior to you purchase. The corners of many mattresses will indicate the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
You should consider buying a convertible crib if want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 are equipped with conversion kits. The rest will require an extra 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 budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and has been rated 5 stars by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium-height profile, which makes it easy to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. The portable sleep and play option is simple to put together and folds up in an hour. It can be used indoors or outside on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleep solution, however because your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
There are also budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that you can use for the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. They are more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A quality crib should be sturdy and secure mattress support that can be adjusted in four different positions, depending on the growth of your baby. It should be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing areas, which can make diapering easier and quicker. These are convenient, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a good choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also think about the materials that the crib is made from. A lot of cribs made from particleboard, which can contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Choose a crib made from solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.