Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide a dedicated baby's sleeping space to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular sleep routine. Cribs also provide more flexibility than other options like bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern design or a traditional one, make sure to verify that it is GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. Also, consider other features to determine the perfect crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, the safety of your child is a top priority. You want your child to rest comfortably in a safe environment 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 head, arms or legs from being trapped; an appropriate mattress that is comfortable and firm without drop sides; a solid crib with no wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid using any bells or whistles such as bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Look for a crib that has been painted with low-VOC paint that is a safer choice to glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. Similarly, search for a mattress that is made of non-toxic materials like organic cotton and foam.
Choose a crib without any decorative ornaments or cutouts. They can cause injury should your child pick them up or gets their fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is securely attached to the frame of your crib and that there aren't gaps between the mattress and the frame. Also, you should avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts pillows, sheepskins or similar stuffed toys in the crib as these can increase the risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also pose dangerous, as they can be pulled down on the baby and cause them to suffocate. Ideally, you should avoid a mobile completely and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for your baby's health and will allow you to monitor your child while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most crucial things your baby will require is a safe place to sleep. Cribs are a great place for your baby's sleep, especially when you are engaged in other household chores.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or at a home goods store. These types of establishments have to follow strict guidelines established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are usually the best place to start your search for a quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are several things to consider before making your purchase.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for toddlers, infants and newborns that last well beyond the first few months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible that allow you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This will save you money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
The compact size of cribs makes them ideal for small spaces like apartments or lofts. Some cribs come with a changing table, which is useful if your nursery space is small in size.
They are also lightweight and foldable, making them simple to transport. They're an excellent choice for traveling with your baby or visiting friends and family because they are easy to pack up before you leave. The crib's lightweight construction could result in a less sturdy crib than the standard ones. This may be a concern to some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with a unique design if you want it to stand out. You can find a crib with a minimalist, sleek design or made from a material such as bamboo or glass. It could also have transparent sides for easy viewing. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can be a beautiful focal piece in any nursery.
Other cribs feature an older-fashioned style with elegant curves and moldings, reminiscent of heirloom furniture. They can be quite elaborate, and are usually handmade with beautiful details.
best infant cribs are great options if you want an item that will be a favorite piece of furniture for your family over time and can be paired with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular style. It has straight, smooth lines and an ethereal, bare-wood look. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. They're an excellent fit to any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
These cribs can also be used as a changing table, making it easier to change your baby. This is especially important for babies who are still young and have difficulty sitting up. They usually have drawers underneath to store wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs have curved sides or designs that can be used as a canopy. They can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are a great method to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. However, be sure that the fabric you choose to use isn't too long, or that it's firmly fixed to the crib. This will ensure that your child can't reach out and grasp the fabric and pull it back.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size bed is an excellent investment for any family. This feature can save you money buying four separate beds throughout your child's growth and will also free up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to make use of them whenever needed.
When looking for a brand crib for your child, bear in mind that a lot of cribs have additional features, such as adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This lets you alter the look and functionality of your crib, and can be particularly useful in the case of the smallest or most limited storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels that can be extremely helpful in case you need to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made using durable non-toxic, non-toxic materials which are safe for your baby and comply with the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have a contemporary or classic design that can suit a wide selection of nursery décor. Some cribs are made of wood, while others are fabricated from metal or painted steel. Some brands are even committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD-certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.
It takes some time and research to choose the most suitable convertible crib for you nursery. However, it's a decision that will last for years. Take your time when evaluating your options, and be sure to look at prices, delivery costs, time to set up, among other things to make the right choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a huge piece of furniture that can have a major impact on the appearance and feel of the nursery of your baby. Therefore, selecting one that is in line with your preferred style or that will work well with the rest of your room's decor can make a huge difference in how you feel about the nursery as you spend time there.
As your child ages, cribs designed to convert into toddler beds or daybeds are still useful and provide you with an advantage over time. They are also less costly than a full-size bed and can be given or sold to a friend when your child no longer has need of.
best crib are also simple to maintain, since most of the parts can be removed and cleaned and many come with a conversion kit that makes it easy to convert them into the appropriate size bed for your child. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are durable. Some even last several children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options and can be easier to maneuver when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress's height. However, they could get worn out faster and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning of toddlerhood, with a side that's softer for infants and a firmer side for toddlers. They are generally safer than foam mattresses, and may be more comfortable for older children who don't like the sagging feeling of foam. They're also generally cheaper than innerspring ones.