7 Essential Tips For Making The Most Out Of Your Baby Crib
Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery can be an exciting time, but selecting a crib is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. The crib in which your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their health and development whether it's the style of the slats or the mattress's height.
Be aware that nails and bolts can wiggle loose over time, so make sure you check your crib hardware regularly. Do not place your crib near blinds or drapes hanging on the ceiling, as they could create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
When shopping for a crib, size is an important aspect. A crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy infant but small enough that you can safely reach your baby to attend to them. It should be strong enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal and have side panels that are slatted. These features let caregivers see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are used from birth until your child is approximately two years older, at which point they will have to be moved to the toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet your baby's development. The lowest setting works best for babies. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit, as the slatted design of most cribs may leave tiny gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include bassinets, portable infant beds and play yards. These cribs typically come with mesh or rigid sides, and are usually smaller than the full-size cribs.
If you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard, make sure you look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress sizes. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also test the gap between the crib and mattress to be sure it is no more than 1 inch which is the most safe space.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's bed from spills and accidents. 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 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US from 2011. If Best cot for newborn do decide to buy or receive a crib with drop sides ensure that you get rid of it once your child is 35 inches or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is the most secure spot for your child. It's not just a place to rest but also where you can see and hold them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands available on the market. But, they all have to meet certain safety requirements. These standards are set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you put your baby in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Use no blankets or pillows within the crib. They can cause suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199), and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. The CPSC has determined that, although these requirements do NOT directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is a good idea to enforce the compliance of this law.
Other commenters suggested that a requirement that fasteners be tightened again between dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard being revised. We strongly disagree with this suggestion. The shake test and vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and increase the crib abuse. Loose screws are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident data. The data shows that the most frequently cited hazards that are associated with cribs include drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards already contained in the existing mandatory standard, with reference. By reference incorporation is the most effective method to ensure the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and effective manner.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting experience to design your baby's nursery. The crib is the main focal element of any nursery, so 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 are lots of chic cribs to pick from. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you pick conforms to all safety guidelines.
A crib is a small, specially designed bed for infants and babies. It is constructed of durable materials like wood, and features slatted wall paneling to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are often larger and more expensive than bassinets, but offer greater functionality during the first three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all must meet safety standards. The crib slats, for instance, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the footboard and headboard.
The mattress should also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants legs and arms to get caught in the crib. Many cribs include bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib does not include stabilizer bars, you'll need to buy a mattress pad to provide additional support.
A great crib also has a low-sitting mattress that prevents children from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are small in size. However, make sure to check out the mattress's height prior your purchase. Most mattresses include a sticker on the corner, which indicates the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you're looking for a crib that can grow with your child, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into toddler beds, a daybed and even a full-size bed. Some cribs on 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 cost in the hundreds of dollars There are a few cribs available on the market that are budget-friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and has been 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is medium high, making it easy to get your child in and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. The portable sleep and play option is simple to put together and folds up in two minutes. It can be used inside or outside, on a deck or patio. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a long-term solution for sleeping because your child will grow out of the product within six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby snug and close. They are more expensive but they are smaller and easier to move. They are not a permanent sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is solid and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's height. It must be low enough for you to reach into and out of it easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs feature posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to be stuck while they play or attempt to climb.
Some cribs are equipped with changing areas that makes diaper changing simpler and quicker. Although they are convenient but they can take up more space than traditional cribs and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials that the crib is made from. Many cribs are constructed of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Look for a crib that is made out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.