How To Tell The Good And Bad About Baby Crib
Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, but choosing a crib is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make. Whether it's the style of slats, mattress height or the capability to convert the crib your baby sleeps in will impact their health and development.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails may become loose over time. Also, don't place your crib close to drapes or window blinds that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for a crib, size is an important factor. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but compact enough for you to reach them safely to care for them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed out of metal or wood, and most include slatted sides. These features let caregivers observe the baby from different angles and promote airflow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is around two years old. older, at which point they will need to be moved into 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 ideal for infants. The highest setting is for babies 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 design of a lot of cribs leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than standard cribs and have rigid or mesh sides.
If you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard, make sure you look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress size guidelines. There may be specific requirements that are different from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. You should also 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 mattress cover can keep it clean and secure from accidents or spit-up. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that helps to reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that eliminates allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they've been linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been outlawed in the US from 2011. Even if you plan to purchase or receive a crib with drop sides, make sure to remove it when your child is 35 inches or can get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure place for your child. It's not just a place to rest but also a place where you can observe and hold them often. There are many crib models and brands available on the market. However, all must meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before you put your child in the crib make sure that it is clean, free of dust and dander. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Also, do not use any pillows or blankets inside the crib as they could cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure compliance. While these rules do not directly apply to cribs, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners are tightened after dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard being revised. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to simulate and speed up the use and abuse of cribs by children. Loose screws are the second most common cause of fatal accidents 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. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these concerns in the new rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are currently included in the current mandatory standard through reference. By reference incorporation is the best method to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a uniform and effective manner.
Style
It's an enjoyable and exciting experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so it is important to select one that fits your style and compliments the decor. There are numerous elegant cribs to choose from that you can choose from modern and minimalist or more traditional. There are cribs for every budget, from affordable to luxurious. Make certain that the crib you select is in compliance with all the necessary safety guidelines.
A crib is a small bed designed specifically for infants and babies. It has slatted walls that ensure an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets but offer greater functionality during the initial three years of your child's life.
There are similar web page that are available, however all must be in compliance with safety standards. For example, the crib slats should not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that's about the width of a soda can), and you should stay clear of decorative cutouts or shapes on the footboard or headboard.
The mattress should be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is crucial because gaps between the mattress and crib can cause infants legs or arms to get entangled. A lot of cribs have bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A mattress that is low-level is another characteristic of a quality crib that helps to prevent children from climbing up the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in space. However, make sure to measure the mattress height before making your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
Consider buying a convertible crib if you want your crib to change with your child. These cribs can be converted into the toddler's bed, a daybed or even a bed that is full size. Some of the cribs in our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. 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 available on the market that are budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is moderate in height, making it simple to get your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. 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 infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a long-term sleeping solution, however, because your baby will grow out of it after about six months.
There are also affordable bassinets and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. They're more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. However, they're only a short-term sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should have a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted in four different positions, based on the development of your baby. It should be low enough to allow you to reach in and out easily, especially if you are under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are more than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening, which can cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs feature attached changing areas which can help diapering a bit easier and faster. Although they are convenient, they tend to take up more space than traditional cribs, and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials that the crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Instead, look for a crib made of solid wood or with a steel base.