Five Cribs Lessons From The Professionals
Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated sleeping area for infants to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also encourages a consistent sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, such as bassinets.
If you opt for a modern design or a more traditional style, make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure that it is in compliance with the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Be aware of other aspects when selecting the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, the safety of your child is a top priority. You want your child to sleep at ease in a space free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. It is crucial to select a crib that is in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) strict standards.
These include slat spacing not more than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from becoming stuck; mattresses that are well-made and comfortable; no drop sides; a sturdy crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear assembly instructions. Avoid using any bells or whistles, such as bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Choose a crib painted with low-VOC paint that is a safer choice to traditional glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. Choose mattresses made of non-toxic materials such as organic foam and cotton.
Pick a crib with no decorative embellishments or cutouts. They could cause injuries if your child grabs them, or gets their fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is secure and securely attached to the frame of your crib, and that there aren't gaps between the frame and the mattress. Also, you should avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts, sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib, since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also pose risky, since they can be pulled down on the baby and cause them to choke. Ideally, you should avoid a mobile completely and opt for a more breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for your baby's health and will let you keep an eye on your baby as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A safe place for your baby's sleep is among the most essential things you will need. Cribs are an excellent place for your baby to sleep, especially when you are working on other household chores.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or at a home goods store. These establishments must abide by strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best place to begin your search for a quality crib. You'll need be aware of a number of aspects prior to purchasing a crib.
Cribs provide a comfy sleeping area for toddlers, infants and newborns that last well beyond the initial months of life. Many cribs have convertible features which allow you to transform the crib into an infant bed or a full-size bed. This will help you save money on your purchase and extend its life.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for small spaces such as apartments or lofts. Some cribs also have a changing station that could be useful if you have limited room in your nursery.
Travel cribs offer the same level of convenience, as they're designed to be light and foldable to make it easy to transport. This makes them an excellent option when you're traveling with your child or visiting family and friends, as you can easily pack up the crib in just a few minutes prior to leaving. However, the light construction of cribs for travel can result in less robust construction than standard cribs, which may be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with distinctive design if want it to stand out. You can find a crib with a minimalist, sleek style or made of something like bamboo or glass. It may also feature transparent sides for easy access to. They are usually more expensive than their solid wood counterparts however they can be an appealing centerpiece to any nursery.
Some cribs feature an older style with beautiful curves and moldings, as well as an appearance that reminds of antique pieces. They can be extremely extravagant, and are generally handcrafted with beautiful details. These are excellent options if you're looking for an infant crib that will become an important family heirloom in the future. They can also go well with any design.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular style. It features smooth, straight lines with a light, bare-wood finish. This lets the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. They're a good fit to any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to complement your decor.
Cribs that can serve as a combination of a changing table could help you change your baby, especially when they're younger and struggle to sit up on their own. These models usually have drawers underneath to store wipes, diapers and other essentials.
cheap cot bed are bent or have designs on the sides that can be used to create a canopy effect. They can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are a fantastic way to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. Be sure to use fabrics that are not too long and that is firmly attached to your crib. This will ensure your child doesn't reach out to grasp the fabric and pull it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can convert into a toddler's bed a daybed or a full-size bed is a great option for any family. This feature allows you to save money by not having to purchase four separate beds as your child grows, and also saves space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs also come with conversion kits that store easily, making them easy to put together and use at any time.
When shopping for a crib for your child, bear in mind that most cribs have additional features, like adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This lets you alter the look and functionality of your crib, and could be especially useful in the case of a small or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels, which can be very helpful in case you need to move the bed around for cleaning or for any other reason.
Convertible cribs are usually constructed with sturdy, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature modern or classic designs that will fit into a broad selection of nursery décor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, whereas others can be constructed of stainless steel or painted metal. Some brands are even committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins leak into the environment.
It takes some time and research to choose the most suitable convertible crib for you nursery. However, it is one that will last for many years. Take your time when evaluating your options and be sure to evaluate prices, delivery and setup times and other factors to make the right choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby, and it has a big impact on the overall appearance and feel of the room. It is essential to choose a crib that matches your style or will go well with the decor of your room. This can make a significant difference in how you feel about your nursery.
In the same way, cribs designed to transform into toddler beds or daybeds can be used as your child grows, giving you value over the long term. They are also less costly than a full-size beds and can be donated or sold to a relative after your child no longer has need.
Convertible cribs can be easily maintained since the majority of parts can be taken off and cleaned, and a lot come with a conversion set that makes it easy to transform them into the ideal size bed for your baby. Wood cribs are especially sturdy and can withstand stress of regular use, with some lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring alternatives which makes them easier to move around when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. They can wear out faster and need replacement sooner than innerspring mattress.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning to toddlerhood, having one side that is softer for infants and a firmer side for toddlers. They are usually more secure than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable to older children who don't like the sagging sensation of foam. They are usually more affordable than innerspring alternatives.