A Handbook For Baby Crib From Start To Finish
Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting time, but choosing the crib is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The style of slats, the mattress height or the capability to convert the crib that your baby sleeps on will affect their health and development.
Be aware that bolts and nails can be loose in time, so be sure to check your crib's hardware frequently. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to curtains or window blinds that hang down, which could pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
When choosing a crib the size is a key factor. The crib should be big enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, but small enough that you can reach them in a safe manner to take care of them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made out of metal or wood, and most come with slatted sides. These features are designed to allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs are utilized from birth until the child is about two years old. old, when they will have to be moved to the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby grows. The lowest setting is best for newborns, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to make sure the mattress will fit, as the slatted design of most cribs can create small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs and play yards. These cribs often have rigid or mesh sides, tots and cots tend to be smaller than full-size cribs.
If you opt for a non-standard crib, review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size recommendations. They may have specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it is not more than one inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can keep it clean and protected from accidents or spit-up. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that reduces the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that eliminates allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop-sides, be aware that they have been associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010, and were banned in the US in 2011. Even if you decide to buy a drop-side crib or receive one as a gift make sure you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most recommended cribs secure place for your child. It's not just an area for rest but also a place to observe and hold them often. There are a myriad of brands and models of cribs available, each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure that the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before you place your Baby Cot in the crib, make sure it is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, take away any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, don't put any pillows or blankets inside the crib, as they can cause the suffocation of children. Instead, use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected to ensure compliance. While these rules do not directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that a requirement that fasteners be retightened between dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard that is being developed. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to simulate and speed up the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident records. The data shows that the most frequently cited hazards associated with cribs (39.106.31.193 post to a company blog) are drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. We decided to focus our attention on these concerns and to incorporate the performance standards already incorporated into the existing mandatory standard. Incorporation by reference is the most effective method to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and effective way.
Style
The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The focal point of any nursery is the crib, so it's crucial to choose a crib that fits your style and matches the room's décor. If you're looking for a contemporary and minimalist look or something more traditional, there's a wide selection of stylish cribs to choose from. There are cribs for every budget, from the cheapest to high-end. Make sure that the crib you choose meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny special bed designed specifically for infants and babies. It is constructed of durable materials like wood, and has slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, but they offer more functionality for your child's early years.
There are many styles of cribs available on the market, but they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. The crib slats, for example, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. It is also recommended to avoid decorative shapes or cutouts on the footboard and headboard.
Additionally, the mattress must fit snugly within the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants' arms and legs to get caught in the crib. Many cribs include bars for stabilization to keep the mattress in place. However, if you own an unstabilized crib, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A quality crib also comes with a mattress that is low that prevents toddlers from climbing over the edge of the crib. It's a great option for smaller parents or rooms with a limited space, but be sure to check the mattress's height prior to you purchase. The majority of mattresses will include a sticker on the corner, which lists the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
Consider buying an adjustable crib if you want your crib to change with your child. These types of cribs can be converted into toddler cheap cot beds, a daybed and even a bed that is full size. A few of the cribs on our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs are priced 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 costs less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a profile that is medium height, making it simple to take your child in and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to assemble and folds down in an hour. It can be used indoors or out on a deck or patio. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleep solution, however as your baby will outgrow it in approximately six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cribs that can be used for the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also smaller and easier to move around. But, they're only a short-term sleeping solution and cot beds your baby is likely to outgrow them before the first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality will have a mattress support that is sturdy and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's height. It must also be low enough to allow you to get in and out easily, particularly when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that stand higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening This can cause your child to be trapped while they play or try to climb.
Some cribs come with an attached changing area that can help diapering a bit more convenient 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 think about the materials that the crib is made of. Many traditional cribs are made of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Choose a crib that is made from solid wood or has an aluminum base instead.