Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer a designated sleeping area for infants to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular sleep routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, like bassinets.
If you opt for a modern design or a more traditional design ensure that it's GreenGuard Gold certified to ensure that it is in compliance with the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Also, consider other features to determine the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, your child's security is of the utmost importance. You want your child to rest peacefully in an environment free of dangers, like sharp edges or splinters. Pick a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacings less than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's legs, arms, or head from getting trapped; a mattress that is firm and snug-fitting with no drop sides; a solid crib that is not prone to wobbling; and detailed assembly instructions. Avoid using any bells or whistles like bumper pads and streamers which could strangle your baby.
Look for a crib that has been coated with low-VOC paints, a safer alternative to traditional varnishes and glues which release harmful chemicals into the air. Similarly, look for a mattress made of non-toxic materials such as organic cotton and foam.
Choose a crib without any decorative ornaments or cutouts. They could cause injuries should your child pick them up or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure the mattress cover is tightly fitted to the crib frame and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Avoid putting pillows, blankets, sheepskins, or pillows that resemble stuffed animals in the crib. These can increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles can also be a risk, since they could be pushed down on the baby, causing the baby to suffocate. It is recommended to avoid using a mobile at all costs and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for your baby's health and will allow you to monitor your baby as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure place for your baby's sleep is among the most essential things you'll require. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby's sleep especially when you are engaged in other household chores.
You'll probably find cribs at your local home goods store or nursery. These establishments must abide by strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best place to start your search for a top-quality crib. You'll have be aware of a number of aspects before purchasing the crib.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that last beyond their first few months of life. Many cribs come with convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into an infant bed or a full-sized bed. This can save you money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
The small size of cribs makes them perfect for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models come with an adjustable table, which is useful if your nursery is restricted in space.
Travel cribs provide a similar level of comfort, since they're designed to be lightweight and easily foldable for transport. This makes them an excellent option for traveling with your child or visiting friends and family since you can take the crib down in a few minutes before leaving. However, the light construction of travel cribs can also cause less durable construction than standard models, which may be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that will stand out in a space choose a crib with a unique style. There are cribs with a minimalist, sleek style or made of a material such as glass or bamboo. It could also have clear sides that allow for easy viewing. They are generally more expensive than solid wood alternatives however they can be a stunning accent piece for any nursery.
Other cribs feature an older-fashioned style with graceful curves and moldings, reminiscent of antique furniture. They can also be intricate and are often handcrafted with beautiful details. They are a great option for a crib that can become an integral piece of family furniture over time and will work well with any theme.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian crib with straight lines that are smooth and a light, unfinished wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. They're great for any modern or contemporary nursery and you can easily paint them or leave them as is to match your decor.
best crib can be used as a changing table making it easier to change your child. This is especially true for babies who are still young and have trouble sitting up. These models have drawers for storing wipes, diapers and other necessities.
Some cribs have curved sides or designs that can be used as a canopy. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery and will keep your baby comfortable and cool while they sleep. Be sure, however, that any fabric you use isn't too long, or is securely fixed to the crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric or pulling it down.
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 purchasing four separate beds over your child's development as well as save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to use them when required.
When looking for a brand new crib, keep in mind that many models come with additional features like adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This lets you alter the look and functionality of your crib. It can be especially useful in the case of the smallest or most limited amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs are equipped with wheels, which can be incredibly useful if you have to move the bed around to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made with durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and comply with the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have modern or classic designs that will fit into a broad variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, while others may be constructed from metal or painted stainless steel. Some brands are committed to environmental sustainability, and offer eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful chemicals are not released into the surrounding environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your baby requires some time and thought however it is an important choice that could last for a long time. Take your time when evaluating your options and make sure you evaluate prices, delivery and the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the biggest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and has a major impact on the overall design and feel of the space. Because of that, choosing one that matches your preference in style or that will work well with the other decor elements in your room can make a significant difference in how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
In the same way, cribs designed to be converted into daybeds for toddlers or toddlers increase their value as your child grows, providing you value over the long term. They are also less expensive than full-size bed and can be lent or sold to a family member when your child no longer has need.
Convertible cribs are also easily maintained, as most parts can be taken off and cleaned, and some have a conversion set which makes it simple to transform them into the perfect size bed for your child. best crib can withstand a lot of use and are sturdy. Some can even last for several children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and are easier to maneuver when changing sheets or altering the mattress's height. They can wear out faster and need to be replaced sooner than innerspring mattress.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual-firm or two-stage mattresses are made to be used by infants and toddlers. One side is softer for the infants while the other side is more rigid for toddlers. They are usually more secure than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable to older children who don't want the sagging feel of foam. They are also typically cheaper than innerspring ones.