10 Unexpected Baby Crib Tips
Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, but choosing the right crib is among the most crucial decisions you will make. The crib that your baby sleeps will have a major impact on their health and development, whether it is the style of the slats, or the mattress height.
Keep in mind that bolts and nails can be loose in time, so make sure you check your crib hardware regularly. Also, don't place your crib near drapes or window blinds that dangle, which pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
Size is a key factor to consider when purchasing a crib. The crib should be big enough to fit a sleeping baby, yet small enough that you can reach them safely to take care of them. It should also be sturdy enough to stand up to the wear and tear of daily use.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood, and are fitted with side panels that are slatted. These features let caregivers view the baby from various angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is around two years old. of age, at which point they require moving into a toddler bed.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, while the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the interior of your crib to be sure that the mattress fits, as the slatted design of most cribs can leave small gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Manufacturers have cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, yet meet the same safety standards. These include bassinets, portable infant beds and play yards. These cribs typically have rigid or mesh sides, and are usually smaller than cribs that are full-size.
If you decide to purchase a non-standard crib, look up the manufacturer's guidelines to determine mattress size recommendations. There could be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. It is also important to examine the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof cover can protect your baby's bed from accidents and spills. Select one that has an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you are considering a crib that has drop-sides, know that they have been associated with 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and are banned in the US in 2011. Even if you decide to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one as a gift make sure you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A baby crib is one of the safest places for your child to sleep. It is a place to relax and also a place where you can keep them close and check on them often. There are a myriad of cribs and brands 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 infants.
Before you put your child in the crib make sure it is clean and free of dander and dust. Remove any toys or stuffed animal that could fall off the bed. Do not place any pillows or blankets inside the crib. They could cause suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be inspected for conformity. The CPSC has concluded that although these rules do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made of composite wood, it is a good idea to insist on the compliance of this law.
Others suggested that the requirement that fasteners are tightened again between dynamic tests should be added to the crib standard that is being developed. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The shake test and vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the second most common cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based on the EWS incident information. These data show that the two most common crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our focus on these issues and incorporate the performance standards already included in the current mandatory standard. By incorporating by reference, we can ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained consistently and efficiently.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it is essential to pick one that fits your style and complements the room's décor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there are plenty of stylish cribs to choose from. There are cribs for every budget, from the cheapest to high-end. Make sure the crib you pick is safe and meets all safety standards.
A crib is a compact bed designed specifically for infants and babies. It is constructed with slatted walls to provide an airy environment and is typically built from sturdy materials like wood. Cribs can be bigger and more expensive than bassinets, but offer greater functionality for the initial three years of your child's life.
There are a variety of crib designs that are available, however all must be safe to use. The crib's slats for example, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. It is also recommended to avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes in the headboard and footboard.
Additionally the mattress should be able to fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants legs or arms to become entangled. A lot of cribs have stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib does not have stabilizer bars, you'll need to buy a mattress pad to provide additional support.
A Great crib - www.cots4tots.co.uk, also has a low-sitting mattress that helps keep children from stepping over the edge of the crib. This is a fantastic feature for parents with small children or rooms that are restricted in size. However, it is important to measure the mattress's height prior to making your purchase. Most mattresses will have a label at the corner which shows the crib's minimum and maximum heights.
If you're looking for an infant crib that grows with your child, think about purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into toddler beds as well as a daybed or a full-size bed. Some of the cribs on our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional 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 has been rated 5-stars by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium height profile that makes it simple for you to take your baby into and out.
Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to set up and folds up in an hour. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution to sleeping, as your child will grow out of the product after six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that can be used for the first 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 smaller and easier to move around. However, they're only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them before their first birthday.
A good crib will have a mattress support that is strong and secure, and can be adjusted to four different positions based on the baby's weight. It must also be low enough to let you get in and out easily, especially when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening, which could cause your child to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs are equipped with changing areas, which makes diaper changing easier and faster. They are useful, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a good option for smaller nurseries.
Take a look at the materials the crib is made from. A lot of cribs are made from particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Instead, look for a crib made from solid wood or with a steel base.