Is Baby Crib As Important As Everyone Says?
Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery, but choosing the crib is one of the most crucial choices. The style of slats, the mattress height or conversion capabilities the crib the baby sleeps in will affect their development and health.
Check your crib hardware periodically. Bolts and nails could become loose with time. Be sure to avoid placing your crib close to window blinds or drapes that hang down, which could pose a strangulation hazard for your baby.
Size
When you are looking for the perfect crib size is a crucial aspect. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping infant but small enough that you are able to reach your baby to attend to them. It should also be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are constructed of metal or wood and come with sides that are slatted. These features let caregivers view the baby from various angles and also encourage airflow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is approximately two years old, when they will require moving into a toddler bed.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is ideal for infants, whereas the highest setting is good for babies who are able to sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure the mattress will fit. The slatted design could create small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that have the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than full-size ones and come with rigid or mesh sides.
If you choose an alternative crib, be sure to review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress size guidelines.
cot sets may have specific requirements 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 make sure it is not more than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof cover will protect your baby's bedding from accidents and spills. Look for one with an antimicrobial layer to cut down on the growth of bacteria as well as a hypoallergenic barrier that eliminates 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. Even if you plan to purchase a crib with drop sides or get one from a friend make sure you remove it when your baby is 35 inches tall or can get out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It's a space for them to rest but also a space where you can keep them close and see them frequently. There are a myriad of models and brands of cribs 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 putting your child in the crib ensure that the crib is clean and free of dander and dust. Take away any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Don't put any blankets or pillows within the crib. They could cause the suffocation of children. Use a fitted sheet or a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs need to meet formaldehyde emission standards outlined in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and cribs constructed from composite wood should be tested to ensure that they meet the standards. The CPSC has concluded that even though these regulations do not directly apply to cribs or other furniture made from composite wood, it is a good idea to insist on conformity with this important law.
Some commenters suggested that the requirement that fasteners be tightened after dynamic tests should be included in the crib standard being revised. This suggestion is not a good idea for us. The dynamic tests - such as the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to mimic and speed up the use and abuse of cribs by children. Loose screw is the second most common cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident information. These data show that the two most common crib dangers are mattresses that are not safe and drop-sides. We therefore decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are already included in the current mandatory standard by reference. The incorporation of reference standards is the best method to ensure the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and effective way.
Style

It's an enjoyable and exciting process to design your baby's nursery. The crib is the focal element of any nursery, so you should choose one that suits your style and complements the decor. There are a variety of chic cribs available that you can choose from contemporary and minimalist or traditional. You can find options in every price range, from the cheapest to upscale. Make sure the crib you select has all the safety requirements.
A crib is a tiny, specially designed bed for infants and babies. It is constructed with slatted walls to ensure adequate ventilation and is usually constructed of sturdy materials like wood. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, but they offer more functionality for your baby's early years.
There are a variety of crib designs available, but all must be safe to use. The crib slats, as an instance, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. You should also avoid cutting outs or decorative shapes in the footboard and headboard.
The mattress must also fit snugly in the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and mattress can cause infants' arms and legs to become entangled. Many cribs come with bars for stabilization that aid in keeping the mattress in position. If your crib does not include stabilizer bars, you'll need to purchase a mattress pad as extra support.
A low-level mattress is another advantage of a quality crib that helps to prevent toddlers from climbing the crib's edge. This is an excellent feature for parents with children who are smaller or rooms that are limited in space. However, it is important to measure the mattress height before making your purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a label at the corner which lists the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
Consider purchasing an adjustable crib if you want your crib to grow with your child. These cribs can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed, or even a full-size bed. Certain cribs, such as the Babyletto Hudson 4-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 3-in-1, come with conversion kits. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs cost in the hundreds of dollars There are a few cribs available on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and has been 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has a medium height profile, which makes it easy for you to take your baby in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another budget-friendly crib. This portable sleep-and-play option is easy to set up and folds up in a few minutes. It can be used indoors or out on a deck or patio. 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 grow out of the product within six months.
There are also budget-friendly bassinets and cribs that can be used for the initial few months, which allows you to keep your baby close and comfortable. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also smaller and easier to move around. They are not a permanent sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it by the time they reach their first birthday.
A quality crib should be sturdy and solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted in four different positions based on your baby's growth. It must also be low enough to allow you to get in and out easily, particularly when you are less than 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that stand more than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which can cause your child to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs come with separate changing rooms that can make diapering a little more convenient and quicker. Although they are convenient, they tend to take up more floor space than traditional cribs, and might not be the ideal choice for smaller nurseries.
You should also consider the materials the crib is made from. Many cribs are made of particleboard that contains formaldehyde. Instead, look for a crib that is made of solid wood or with a metal base.