Choosing a Baby Crib
The process of designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but selecting the crib is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. The crib where your baby sleeps will have a significant impact on their health and development whether it's the design of the slats, or the mattress's height.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails can get loose over time. Avoid placing your crib near blinds or drapes hanging because they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to take into consideration when buying the perfect crib. The crib should be big enough to fit a sleeping baby, but small enough for you to reach them safely to care for them. It should also be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are made out of metal or wood, and the majority of them have the slatted sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs are available until your child is of two.
The majority of cribs have the mattress height which can be adjusted to accommodate your baby's growth. The lowest setting is ideal for babies. The highest setting is ideal for babies who can sit up or crawl. Check the crib's dimensions to ensure that the mattress will fit. top ranked cribs can create small gaps that could be dangerous to your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include bassinets for infants, portable cribs, and play yards. These cribs are smaller than full-size ones and have mesh or rigid sides.
If you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard, make sure you review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. They may have specific specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimension of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it is not more than 1 inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof cover will protect your baby's bed from spills and accidents. Choose a cover with an antimicrobial layer that reduces bacteria and a hypoallergenic barrier that stops allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were associated with 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010, and have been outlawed in the US since 2011. If you do decide to purchase a crib with a drop-side or get one as a gift, be sure to eliminate it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to get out.
Safety
A crib for babies is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It is a place for them to rest, but also a place where you can keep them close and observe them often. While there are many different cribs and brands on the market, each one must be able to meet certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.
Before putting your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Also, take out any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Use top ranked cribs or pillows inside the crib. They can cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet or mattress covers instead.
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. 111-199), and cribs made of composite wood must be tested to determine if they are in compliance. The CPSC has concluded that even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is appropriate to enforce compliance with this important law.
Others suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support impact test are designed to replicate and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. Screws that are loose are the 2nd most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident information. These data reveal that the most frequent hazards that are associated with cribs include dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. We have decided to concentrate our focus on these issues and incorporate the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
It is a rewarding and exciting process to design the nursery of your baby's. The centerpiece of any nursery is the crib, so it's important to choose one that matches your style and matches the room's decor. If you're looking for a modern and minimalist design or more traditional, there are plenty of chic cribs to pick from. There are cribs for every budget, from affordable to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you select has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and babies. It has slatted walls that allow for safe ventilation and is often built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are generally larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, but they provide more functions for your child's first three years of life.
There are a variety of crib designs that are available, however all must be safe to use. The crib slats, for instance, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. It is also recommended to avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the headboard and footboard.
In addition the mattress should fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the mattress and crib can allow babies' arms or legs to get caught in. Many cribs include bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. But if you have an unstabilized crib, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A great crib also has a low-sitting mattress, which helps prevent children from climbing over the edge of the crib. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are restricted in size. But, be sure to verify the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corners of many mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you are looking for a crib that can grow with your child, you should consider buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into the toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. Some cribs, like the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest will require an extra purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars, some cribs are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has an overall profile that is medium high, making it easy to get your child inside and out.
Another affordable crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. The portable sleep and play option is easy to assemble and folds up in a few minutes. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for infants up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution for sleeping because your child will outgrow it after six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that are suitable for the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. They cost more, but they are also smaller and easier to move. However, they are only a short-term sleeping solution, and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good quality should be sturdy and solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted in four different positions, depending on the growth of your baby. It must be low enough for you to reach in and out of it easily, especially when you're less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend more than 1 8 inches above the mattress's opening, which could cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs come with attached changing rooms, which can make diapering easier and faster. They are useful however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a suitable option for smaller nurseries.

Take a look at the materials that the crib is constructed of. Many cribs are made of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Instead, look for a crib made from solid wood or with a metal base.