Blog entry by Aurora Farnham
Choosing a Baby Crib
It's thrilling to design a nursery but picking the crib will be one of your most crucial decisions. The crib that your baby sleeps will have a significant impact on their development and health, whether it is the style of the slats or the mattress's height.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails may become loose with time. Avoid placing your crib near drapes or blinds that hang on the ceiling, as they could create an injury risk to your baby.
Size
When you are looking for a crib the size is a key aspect. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping infant, yet small enough that you are able to safely reach your baby to attend to them. It should also be durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are constructed out of metal or wood, and the majority of them come with the slatted sides. These features are designed to let caregivers view the baby from different angles and ensure adequate air flow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is around two years old. older, at which point they will require moving into the toddler bed.
Most standard cribs come with a mattress height that can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's development. The lowest setting is best for newborns. The highest setting is ideal for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to make sure that the mattress fits, as the slatted design of most cribs can leave small 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 of full-size cribs. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs typically have rigid or mesh sides, and are generally smaller in size than cribs that are full-size.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size if you select one that isn't standard. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress size of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. It is also important to examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure it is not more than 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can help keep it clean and secure from spills or accidents. Choose one with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they've been linked to 32 baby deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US from 2011. Even if you plan to buy or receive a drop-side baby crib, make sure to get rid of it once your child is 35 inches or can climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is the safest place for your child. It's a space to relax but also a space where you can keep them close and see them frequently. There are a myriad of models and brands of cribs on the market all of them must comply with certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before you put your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Also, don't use any pillows or blankets inside the crib, as they can cause suffocation. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs ought to be required to meet formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and cribs constructed from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. While these rules don't directly apply to cribs however, the CPSC has determined that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners are tightened after dynamic tests should be included in the new crib standard. We strongly disagree with this idea. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to simulate and increase the use and abuse of cribs by children. Loose screw is the second most common cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. The data shows that the most frequent dangers associated with cribs are drop-sides and unsafe mattresses. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on these issues in the rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are already contained in the existing mandatory standard through reference. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It's a satisfying and thrilling experience to design your baby's nursery. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's crucial to choose a crib that is in keeping with your style and matches the room's décor. There are a variety of chic cribs available, whether you want something modern and minimalist or traditional. There are options available in every price range, from affordable to high-end. Be sure that the crib you select meets all safety requirements.
A crib is a compact bed that is specifically designed for babies and infants. It is constructed with slatted walls to provide an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and may be more expensive, however they offer more functionality for your baby's early years.
There are many types of cribs on the market, but they all have to meet strict safety standards. The crib's slats for instance, shouldn't exceed 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. It is also recommended cribs to beware of cutouts or ornaments on the footboard and headboard.
Additionally the mattress should fit comfortably into 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. However, if you own a crib that doesn't, be sure to buy mattress pads for additional support.
A Great Crib; Yomyomy.Ru, also has a low sitting mattress level that helps keep toddlers from stepping over the crib's edge. This is an excellent feature for parents with small cot beds children or rooms that are restricted in size. However, it is important to check out the mattress's height prior your purchase. Most mattresses will have a sticker on the corner, which indicates the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
You should consider buying an adjustable crib if you would like your crib to expand with your child. These cribs can be transformed into the toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1 have conversion kits. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost in the hundreds of dollars There are a few cribs on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a profile that is moderate in height, making it simple to get your child in and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable crib for sleep and play is simple to set up and folds down in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not a permanent sleeping solution, however, as your baby will outgrow it after about six months.
There are also budget-friendly cradles and bassinets that you can use for the first few weeks to keep your baby comfortable and close. While they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easy to move around. They are only a temporary crib for sleeping and your baby will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should include a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions, based on the development of your baby. It should be low enough for you to reach in and out of it easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are over 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which can cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs have attached changing rooms, which makes diaper changing simpler and quicker. While these are convenient but they can take up more space than traditional cribs and may not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials the crib is made from. The majority of cribs are constructed of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Instead, look for a crib made of solid wood or with a metal base.