An All-Inclusive List Of Baby Crib Dos And Don ts
Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, however picking a crib is one of the most important decisions you will make. The crib in which your baby sleeps in will have a major impact on their development and health regardless of the style of the slats, or the mattress's height.
Remember that nails and bolts may become loose over time, so make sure you check your crib's hardware frequently. Do not place your crib near blinds or drapes that hang because they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing the right crib. The crib should be large enough to fit a sleeping baby, yet small enough that you can be able to reach them easily and care for them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.
Most cribs are made of metal or wood and come with side panels that are slatted. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the Baby Cot from various angles and to ensure the proper flow of air. Cribs are used from birth until the child is about two years old. older, at which point they will have to be moved to a toddler bed.
The majority of cribs have a mattress height that can be adjusted to suit your baby's development. The lowest setting is best for infants, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the interior of your crib to be sure that the mattress fits as the slatted structure of most cribs may leave tiny gaps that could pose a danger for your baby.
Manufacturers have cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, but meet the same safety standards. These include play yards as well as portable infant cheap cot beds and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and come with solid or mesh sides.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to determine the recommended mattress size if you choose a crib that is not standard. There may be specific requirements that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. You should also be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure it is not more than one inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover for your baby can keep it clean and secure from accidents or spit-up. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria, and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you are considering a crib with drop-sides, know that they have been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and were banned in the US as of 2011. Even if you decide to purchase a crib with a drop-side or receive one as a hand-me-down, be sure to eliminate 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 to let your child sleep. It is not only an area for rest but also a place where you can observe and hold them often. There are numerous crib models and brands on the market. However, they all must meet certain safety requirements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for infants.
Before putting your child in the crib, make sure that it is clean, free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that could fall off the bed. Do not place any pillows or blankets in the crib. They can lead to the suffocation of children. Make use of a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should conform to formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and cribs constructed from composite wood should 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 a good idea to require compliance with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain a requirement to retighten fasteners in between dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test and the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate crib abuse. Screws that are loose are the second leading cause of fatal incidents in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident data. These data indicate that the two most frequently reported crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We decided to focus our attention on these concerns and incorporate the performance standards already included in the standard that is currently mandatory. The incorporation of reference standards is the most effective way to ensure that the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and effective manner.
Style
Designing your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding experience. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery cots, so choose one that suits your style and compliments the decor. There are many stylish cribs available, whether you want something contemporary and minimalist or traditional. You can find options in every price range, from the cheapest to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you select is safe and meets all safety standards.
A crib is a compact crib designed especially for infants and children. It has slatted walls that allow for an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, however they offer more functionality for your baby's the first three years of life.
There are many different types of cribs that are available on the market, but they all must be in compliance with strict safety standards. The crib slats, for example, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. Also, you should avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes on the footboard and headboard.
In addition, the mattress must fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause infants' arms or legs to become entangled. Some cribs come with bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib doesn't have stabilizer bars, you'll need to buy a mattress pad as extra support.
A great crib also has a low sitting mattress level that helps keep children from climbing over the edge of the crib. It's a great feature for smaller families or rooms with a limited space Be sure to measure the mattress's height prior purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a sticker at the corner which indicates the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
If you are looking for an infant crib that grows with your child, think about buying a convertible crib. These cribs can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed or even a full size bed. Some of the cribs on our list, like 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 additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars, there are a few cribs on the market that 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 which makes it easier for you to get your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another crib that is budget-friendly. This portable play and sleep option is easy to install and folds away in a matter of minutes. It can be used inside or out on decks or patios. It is suitable for infants weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleep solution, however, because your baby will outgrow it in approximately six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cradles that can be used for the beginning of the first few months, which allows you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also more compact and easy to move around. But, they're only a temporary solution for sleeping, and your baby will outgrow them prior to their first birthday.
A quality crib should include a sturdy, solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted to four different positions, depending on the development of your baby. It should also be low enough to let you reach in and out easily, particularly in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which can cause your baby to become entrapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs come with an attached changing area that can make diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. These are convenient, but they take up more space than traditional cribs. They might not be a suitable choice for smaller nurseries.
Think about the materials your crib is constructed of. A lot of cribs made of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde, which is a well-known carcinogen. Instead, look for a crib made from solid wood or with a steel base.