What Experts In The Field Of Cribs Want You To Know
Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated sleeping space for infants to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, like bassinets.
Whether you go for an innovative design or a traditional style, be sure to check if it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. Consider other features when choosing the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent your baby's security is of the utmost importance. You want your child to sleep at ease in a space free of dangers, such as sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
This includes slat spacing that is not more than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's legs, arms, or head from becoming trapped and an appropriate mattress that is firm and snug-fitting; no drop sides; a stable crib with no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. Beware of any bells or whistles like bumper pads and streamers which could strangle your baby.
Look for cribs with low-VOC varnish, which is which is a safer alternative than traditional glues or varnishes which release harmful chemicals. Look for mattresses made from organic foam and cotton.
Finally, pick a crib that is devoid of decorative ornaments and cutouts, which can cause injury when your child grabs them or gets their fingers stuck in them. Check that the mattress cover fits tightly to the frame of the crib and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or sheepskins or pillows that resemble stuffed animals in the crib. These could increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a hazard, as they can be tipped over onto the baby, causing the baby to suffocate. Ideally, you should avoid using a mobile at all costs and opt for a more breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for the health of your baby and lets you monitor them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most crucial things your baby will need is an area that is safe to sleep in. Cribs offer a comfortable place for your baby to relax, which can be particularly useful when you're busy with other household chores or other activities.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These establishments must abide by strict guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best place to begin your search for a high-quality crib. If you want to buy a crib for your home, there are several considerations you'll need to make before purchasing.
Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping area for toddlers, infants and babies that last well beyond the initial months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible, allowing you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or a full-sized bed. This can save you money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for small spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models also come with an area for changing which is a great option when you have a small space in your nursery.
They are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to move. This makes them an ideal option for traveling with your child or visiting family and friends, as you can easily take the crib down within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. However, the light construction of travel cribs can also cause less durable construction than standard cribs which could be an issue for some parents.
3. Style
Find a crib that has a unique design if you want it to stand out. There are cribs with an elegant, minimalist design or made from something like bamboo or glass. It may also feature clear sides to allow for easy observation. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives however they can be a stunning focal piece in any nursery.
Other cribs have a more traditional design with beautiful curves and moldings, as well as the look of heirloom pieces. They can be very extravagant, and are generally made by hand with exquisite details. They are a great option if you're looking for a crib that can become an heirloom for your family over time. They can also go well with any design.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular design. It has straight lines that are smooth and straight with an ethereal, bare-wood look. This lets the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. They're a good fit for modern or contemporary nursery, and you can paint them or leave them unpainted to complement your decor.
Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table could make it easier to change your baby, particularly when they're younger and aren't able to sit on their own. These models typically have drawers beneath to store wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the side which can be used to create a canopy effect. These can add a touch elegance to any nursery and will keep your baby comfortable and cool while they sleep. Make sure you use a fabrics that are not too long and that is firmly attached to your crib. This will stop your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be converted into a toddler's crib, a daybed or a full-size bed is a great option for any family. This feature will save you money from buying four separate beds throughout the development of your child as well as save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to utilize them as needed.
When shopping for a new crib, keep in mind that most cribs have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This will allow you to customize the look and function of your crib, and could be especially useful when you have only a tiny or limited storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels which can be extremely helpful if you need to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are usually constructed using durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and comply with stringent safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature modern or classic designs that can be adapted to different styles of nursery décor. Some cribs are made from wood, whereas others can be made from stainless steel painted or metal. Certain brands are even committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins leach into the environment.
It will take some research and thought to choose the most suitable convertible crib for your nursery. However, it is an investment that will last for years to come. Consider your options carefully and be sure to look at prices, delivery costs, the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the best decision for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a huge piece of furniture that will have a major impact on the design and feel of the nursery of your baby. Because of that, choosing one that matches your preference in style or that will work well with the rest of your room decor will make a big difference in how you feel about the nursery as you are there.
As your child grows older cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds can be used for a long time, giving you an advantage over time. They are also less expensive than a traditional bed and can be given or sold to a family member once your child no longer has need of.
Convertible cribs can be easily maintained, since most components can be removed and cleaned, and some have a conversion kit which makes it simple to transform them into the ideal size bed for your child. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are durable. Some even last multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and can be more maneuverable when changing sheets or altering the mattress height. However, best cot beds Cots 4 Tots can get worn out faster and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual firm or two-stage mattress, are designed to be used for babies and toddlers. One side is softer for infants, while the other side is more rigid for toddlers. They are typically more secure than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable to older babies who don't like the sagging sensation of foam. They are also typically cheaper than innerspring alternatives.