Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated sleeping area for infants to reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, including bassinets.
If you opt for a modern style or a more traditional design Make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure it adheres to the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Then consider other features to determine the perfect crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent to a child, the safety of your child is of paramount importance. You want your child to sleep at ease in a space free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. It is essential to select a crib that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards.
This includes slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's legs, arms or head from being trapped in the mattress; an appropriate mattress that is comfortable and firm without drop sides; a sturdy crib that has no wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. You should also avoid bells and whistles, such as bumper streamers or pads, which can present a strangulation risk for your baby.
Find cribs that are painted with low-VOC varnish, which is a safer option to traditional varnishes or glues which release harmful chemicals. Find mattresses made of non-toxic materials like organic foam and cotton.
Choose a crib without any decorative embellishments or cutouts. These can cause injury when your child grabs them, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Also, make sure that the mattress cover is secure and tightly fitted to the crib frame and that there aren't gaps between the mattress and the frame. Avoid putting pillows, blankets, sheepskins, or pillows that resemble stuffed animals in the crib. These could increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles are also a danger, as they could fall towards the baby and cause them to suffocate. It is recommended to avoid the use of mobiles completely and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is more beneficial for your baby's health as well as allow you to keep an eye on your child while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most essential things your baby will need is a safe place to sleep. Cribs are a great place for your baby's sleep particularly when you are engaged in other household chores.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or at the home goods store. These kinds of establishments must follow strict guidelines established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are typically the best place to begin your search for a quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are a few things to consider prior to purchasing.
Cribs are a fantastic option for infants, newborns and toddlers, providing an incredibly comfortable bed that will last for their initial years of life. Many models feature convertible features that allow you to transform them into toddler beds or full size beds, which can save you money and extend the lifespan of your crib purchase.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their small footprint which makes them ideal for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some cribs come with an adjustable table, which can be useful if your nursery space is small in size.
Travel cribs offer a similar level of comfort, since they're designed to be light and foldable to make it easy to transport. They're an excellent choice to travel with your baby or visiting friends and family since they can be easily packed up before you leave. However, the lightweight design of cribs for travel can result in less robust construction than standard cribs and could pose a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Choose a crib with a unique design if you want it to stand out. You can find a crib with a minimalist, sleek design or made from a material such as glass or bamboo. nursery cots may also have clear sides that allow for easy access to. They are generally more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however, they can be a beautiful focal piece in any nursery.
look these up have a more traditional look with beautiful curves and moldings, reminiscent of antique furniture. They can also be elaborate and are typically handcrafted with beautiful details. These are excellent options to consider if you're in search of the perfect crib that will be an important family heirloom in the future. They also work well with any design.
Another style that is popular is a Scandinavian-style crib that has sleek straight lines and a light, unfinished wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. They're great to any modern or contemporary nursery and you can paint them or leave them unpainted to complement your decor.
Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table could make it much easier to change your baby, especially when they're younger and have trouble sitting up on their own. These types of cribs usually have drawers underneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the side which can be used to create an illusion of a canopy. They can add a touch of elegant to any nursery and will keep your baby comfortable and cool while they sleep. Make sure to choose a fabric that is not too long and that is tightly anchored to your crib. This will ensure your child isn't able to reach out and grab the fabric and pull it back.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed a daybed, or a full-size bed is a great option for any family. This feature can save you money purchasing four separate beds during the development of your child and also save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to utilize them as required.
Another aspect to be aware of when shopping for a crib is that many cribs have additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This allows you to customize your crib's look and functionality. It's especially beneficial in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs are equipped with wheels which can be extremely useful when you need to move the bed around to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally constructed using durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and comply with stringent safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have an elegant or contemporary design that can be adapted to a wide selection of nursery décor. Some cribs are made of wood, while others are fabricated from steel or painted. Some brands are committed to sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD certified wood. This assures that harmful toxins are not absorbed into the environment.
Choosing the best convertible crib for your baby will take some time and thought however, it's an important decision that will last for a long time. Compare your options and compare the prices and delivery times as well as other aspects before making a decision.
5. Value
The crib is the biggest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby, and it can have a significant impact on the overall appearance and feel of the space. It is crucial to select a crib that matches your style and will work well with the decor of your room. This can make a significant impact on how you feel about your nursery.
Similarly, cribs that are designed to be converted into daybeds or toddler beds extend their utility as your child grows, providing you value over the long term. They are also less costly than full-size beds and can be donated or sold to a friend when your child is no longer in need.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain since the majority of the parts can be removed and cleaned, and most come with an adapter kit that allows you to transform them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs are incredibly robust and can withstand the rigors of frequent use, with some last through multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives which makes them more convenient to move around when changing sheets or altering mattress height. They can wear out faster and require replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also known as dual firm or two-stage mattress are designed to be used for babies and toddlers. One side is gentler for the infants while the other side is more rigid for toddlers. They're typically more secure than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable for older infants who don't like the sagging feel of foam. These mattresses are often cheaper than innerspring mattresses.