Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer infants a dedicated sleep space to decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promotes a consistent routine of sleeping. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options such as bassinets.
If you choose modern or traditional one, make sure to verify that it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to toxic chemicals. Also, consider other features to determine the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As parents to a child, the safety of your baby is your top concern. You want your child to rest peacefully in an environment free of hazards such as sharp edges or splinters. Select a crib that is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacing no wider than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from becoming trapped in the mattress; a mattress that is firm and snug-fitting with no drop sides; a solid crib that has no wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. You should also avoid bells and whistles, such as bumper streams or pads, as they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Choose a crib painted with low-VOC paint, a safer alternative to traditional varnishes and glues that emit harmful chemicals into the air. Find mattresses made of organic foam and cotton.
Pick a crib with no decorative embellishments or cutouts. They can cause injury should your child pick them up, or gets their fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is secure and securely attached to the frame of your crib, and that there aren't any gaps between the frame and the mattress. You should also avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts, sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib since they could increase the risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also be risky, since they could be pulled towards the baby and cause them to suffocate. It is recommended to choose a mesh crib mobile that is breathable, instead of a mobile. This is healthier for the health of your baby and lets you watch over them while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most essential things your baby needs is a safe place to sleep. Cribs are a great place for your baby to relax, which can be particularly helpful when you're busy tending to other household chores or activities.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or at the home goods store. These establishments must adhere to strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal place to begin your search for a top-quality crib. If you're looking to purchase a crib for your home, there are many things to consider before purchasing.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for toddlers, infants and babies that last beyond their first few months of life. Many cribs have convertible features that let you convert them into toddler beds or full-size beds, which will reduce your costs and prolong the lifespan of your crib purchase.
Another benefit of cribs is their small footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some models include a changing table, which is useful if your nursery space is restricted in space.
Travel cribs are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to carry around. This makes them an excellent choice when traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family, as you can easily pack up the crib in just a few minutes prior to leaving. However, the light construction of cribs for travel can cause less durable construction than standard cribs which could be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with an original design if you want it to stand out. There are cribs with a minimalist, sleek design or constructed from materials like glass or bamboo. It could also have clear sides to allow for easy access to. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however they can be a stunning centerpiece in any nursery.
Other cribs feature an older-fashioned style with beautiful curves and moldings, reminiscent of furniture from the past. They can also be extravagant and are usually hand-crafted with stunning details. These are great options for a crib that will become a favorite piece of family furniture over time and can be paired with any style.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian crib with smooth straight lines and a light, unfinished wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are great for an modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave them unfinished to complement your decor.
These cribs can also 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 to store wipes, diapers and other necessities.
Some cribs are bent or have designs on the sides that can be used to create an effect of canopy. These can add a touch elegance to any nursery, and keep your baby comfortable and cool as they sleep. Be sure, however, that the fabric you choose isn't too long, or that it's firmly fixed to the crib. This will stop your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed is an excellent investment for any family. This feature allows you to save money by not having to buy four beds as your child gets older, and also saves space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs are equipped with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to utilize them as needed.
Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a crib is that many models have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This lets you customize the appearance and function of your crib. It is especially useful in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs come with wheels that can be very helpful when you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally made of durable non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature an elegant or contemporary design that can be adapted to the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, while others could be constructed of stainless steel or painted metal. Certain brands are committed to sustainability, offering eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This assures that harmful toxins do not leach into the environment.
It takes some time and effort to select the ideal convertible crib for you nursery. But, it's one that will last for many years to come. Consider your options carefully, and be sure to compare prices, delivery and the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the best decision for your family.
5. recommended you read is the biggest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and has a major impact on the overall look and feel of the space. This is why choosing one that is in line with your preferred style or one that works well with the rest of your room's decor will make a big impact on how you feel about the nursery as you spend time there.
As your child grows older cribs that are designed to convert into toddler beds or daybeds can be used for a long time, giving you an advantage over time. 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 can also be easily maintained, since most parts can be removed, cleaned, and some have a conversion set that makes it easy to convert them into the right size bed for your baby. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are sturdy. Some even last many children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives and are therefore more maneuverable when changing sheets or altering the mattress height. However, they may wear out more quickly and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning to toddlerhood, having one side that is softer for infants and a firmer side for toddlers. They're generally more secure than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable for older children who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They're typically more affordable than innerspring alternatives.