Choosing a Baby Crib

It's exciting to design a nursery however, choosing the crib will be one of the most crucial choices. The style of slats, mattress height or the ability to convert, the crib the baby sleeps in will affect their health and development.

Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails could become loose with time. Also, avoid placing your crib near curtains or window blinds that hang, which can create a strangulation risk for your baby.

Size

Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing the right crib. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy infant but small enough that you can safely reach your child to listen to them. It should also be sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

The majority of cribs are constructed of wood or metal and have side panels that are slatted. These features are designed to let caregivers view the baby from different angles and to ensure adequate air flow. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is around two years old. old, when they will have to be moved to a toddler bed.

Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting works best for infants. The highest setting is for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the interior of your crib to make sure that the mattress fits as the slatted structure of most cribs may create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.

Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, yet have the same safety standards. These include play yards as well as portable infant beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than full-size ones and have solid or mesh sides.

If you decide to purchase a non-standard crib, review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. They may have specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. It is also important to examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it is not more than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.

A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can keep it clean and safe from accidents or spit-up. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer to block allergens.

If you are considering a crib that has drop-sides, be aware that they have been linked to the deaths of 32 infants between 2000 and 2010 and are banned in the US in 2011. Even if you intend to buy or receive a crib with drop sides, make sure to 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 place for your child. It's not just an area to rest, but also a place where you can be able to see them and hold them frequently. There are numerous crib models and brands available on the market. But, they all must meet certain safety requirements. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure that cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.

Before you put your child in the crib, ensure that the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Do not place any pillows or blankets within the crib. They can lead to suffocation. Instead, you should use a mattress pad and a fitted sheet.

Some commenters suggested cribs should conform to formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 112-199), and cribs made from composite wood should be tested to ensure compliance. Although these requirements are not directly applicable to cribs but the CPSC has decided that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.

Other commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners are tightened again between dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard that is being developed. This suggestion is not something we would consider. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test - are designed to mimic and increase 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 on EWS incident data. These data indicate that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We decided to pay particular focus on these issues and to incorporate the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that crib safety is maintained consistently and efficiently.

Style

Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the focal point of any nursery, so it is important to pick one that matches your style and compliments the decor. If great crib looking for a modern and minimalist style or more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. There are options available in every price range, from the cheapest to high-end. Be sure that the crib you pick is safe and meets all safety standards.


A crib is a tiny crib designed especially for babies and infants. It is constructed from sturdy materials such as wood and has slatted wall panels to allow safe ventilation. Cribs can be bigger 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 that are available, however all must be safe to use. The crib slats, as an instance, shouldn't be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. You should also avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes on the footboard and headboard.

The mattress must be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and mattress could allow infants' arms or legs to get entangled. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars that assist in keeping the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn't, be sure to buy mattress pads for additional support.

A low-level mattress is another advantage of a good crib that can help keep toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in space. However, make sure to check out the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. Most mattresses will include a sticker on the corner that indicates the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.

If you're looking for a crib that can grow with your child, consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. A few of the cribs in our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits that are included. The rest will require an extra purchase.

Budget

While most cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars however, there are a few cribs available on the market that are budget friendly. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib is one of them. It costs less than $200 and has been rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium height profile, which makes it easy for you to take your baby into and out.

Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. The portable sleep and play option is easy to assemble and folds down in two minutes. It can be used indoors or out on decks or patios. It is suitable for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a long-term solution for sleeping, as your child will outgrow it within six months.

There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cradles that can be used for the initial few months, allowing you to keep your baby close and comfortable. While they are a bit more expensive than a standard crib they are also more compact and easier to move around. However, they're only a temporary solution for sleeping and your baby is likely to outgrow them before their first birthday.

A quality crib should have a sturdy, solid mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions, based on the development of your baby. It must be low enough to allow you to get in and out easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inches above the mattress opening, which can cause your baby to be trapped as they play or climb.

Some cribs are equipped with changing areas, which makes diaper changing easier and faster. They are useful however they require more space than traditional cribs. They may not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.

Consider the materials the crib is made of. Many traditional cribs are made of particleboard. These materials can contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Find a crib that is made out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.