It’s Time To Expand Your Baby Crib Options

Choosing a Baby Crib

Designing a nursery is an exciting time, however choosing the crib is one of the most crucial choices you will make. The style of slats, mattress height or conversion capabilities the crib your baby sleeps in will affect their development and health.

Remember that nails and bolts may be loose in time, so make sure you check your crib’s hardware frequently. Avoid placing your crib near drapes or blinds that hang because they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.

Size

When you are looking for the perfect crib size is a crucial aspect. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant, yet small enough that you can safely reach your baby in order to talk to them. It should also be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.

The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood, and are fitted with sides that are slatted. These features let caregivers view the baby from various angles and promote airflow. Cribs are utilized from birth until the child is about two years old. older, at which point they will have to be moved to a toddler bed.

The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is ideal for newborns, while the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Check the crib’s dimensions to ensure the mattress is suitable. The slatted structure can leave tiny gaps that could be dangerous to your baby.

Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that have the same safety standards of full-size cribs. These include bassinets, cots4tots portable infant beds, and play yards. These cribs often have mesh or rigid sides, and tend to be smaller than cribs that are full-size.

Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you choose a crib that is not standard. 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 it’s not larger than 1 inch which is the maximum safe space.

A waterproof mattress cover can help keep it clean and safe from accidents or spit-up. Find one that has 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, be aware that they were linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010, and have been outlawed in the US since 2011. Even if you decide to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one from a friend make sure you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to be able to climb out.

Safety

A crib for your baby is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It is not only an area to rest, but also a place to observe and hold them often. There are a variety of models and brands of cribs 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 infants.

Before you place your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean, free of dust and dander. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall out of the crib. Don’t put any blankets or pillows within the crib. They could cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.

Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be tested to ensure compliance. While these rules are not directly applicable to cribs, the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture constructed of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.

Others suggested that the requirement that fasteners are tightened after dynamic tests should be added to the new crib standard. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The dynamic tests – such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test – are designed to simulate and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of crib deaths.

Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. The data shows that the most common hazards that are associated with cribs include dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. We therefore decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. Incorporation by reference is the best way to ensure that the cribs’ safety is maintained in a uniform and effective manner.

Style

The design of your baby’s nursery is an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so it is important to pick one that matches your style and complements its decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there’s a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. There are options available in every price range, from budget to upscale. Make certain that the crib you pick conforms to all safety guidelines.

A crib is a small special bed designed specifically for infants and children. It has slatted walls that allow for an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets, and can be more expensive, but they are more functional for your baby’s the first three years of life.

There are many crib styles available, but all of them must meet safety standards. For instance, the crib slats should not exceed 6 centimeters apart (that’s about the width of a soda bottle), and you should not use ornamental cutouts or designs on the footboard or headboard.

In addition the mattress should be able to fit comfortably inside the crib’s opening. This is crucial because gaps between the mattress and crib can allow babies legs or arms to become entangled. Many cribs come with stabilizer bars to assist in keeping the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn’t, ensure you buy a mattress pad for extra support.

A great crib also has a low-sitting mattress, which helps prevent children from stepping over the edge of the crib. It’s a great option for smaller families or rooms with limited space Be sure to measure the mattress’s height prior purchase. Most mattresses have a sticker at the corner which shows the crib’s minimum and maximum mattress heights.

If you want a crib that grows with your child, you should consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into the toddler’s bed, a daybed or even a bed that is full size. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 are equipped with conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.

Budget

While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and is rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is moderate in high, making it easy to take your child in and out.

The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable crib for sleep and play is simple to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or outside, on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleeping solution, however, as your baby will outgrow it after approximately six months.

You can also find affordable cradles and bassinets that you can use during the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. They are more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. They are only a temporary sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow them before their first birthday.

A quality crib will have a mattress support that is strong and secure, and it can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby’s height. It should also be low enough to allow you to reach in and out easily, especially when you are less than 5’5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening, which can cause your baby to become entrapped as they play or climb.

Some cribs feature an attached changing area that can help diapering a bit easier and faster. While they are useful, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.

Consider the materials your crib is made of. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Choose a crib made from solid wood or comes with an aluminum base instead.