Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide infants with an area for sleeping that is specifically designed to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent sleep routine. recommended cribs have more flexibility than other options, like bassinets.
If you decide to go with an innovative design or a traditional style, be certain to confirm that it is GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Be aware of other aspects when selecting the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent your baby's safety is a top priority. You want your child to rest at ease in a space free of dangers, such as sharp edges or splinters. It is crucial to select a crib that is in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) strict standards.
These include slat spacings no wider than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's head, arms or legs from being caught in the mattress; an appropriate mattress that is comfortable and firm with no drop sides; a sturdy crib that has no wobbling parts and clear assembly instructions. Avoid using any bells or whistles like bumper pads and streamers which could strangle your baby.
Look for a crib coated with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. Also, look for a mattress made of non-toxic materials like organic cotton and foam.
Select a crib that does not have ornaments or cutouts. These can cause injury if your child grabs them or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure the mattress cover is tightly fitted to the frame of the crib and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. You should also avoid putting pillows, quilts, comforters and sheepskins, as well as pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib, because they can increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a hazard, as they can be pushed down on the baby, causing suffocation. Ideally, you should avoid a mobile completely and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This will be better for your baby's health as well as let you monitor your little one while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure space for your baby to sleep is one of the most essential things you'll need. Cribs are an excellent place for your baby to sleep, especially when you are busy with other household chores.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. They must follow strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal place to begin your search for a quality crib. If you want to buy a crib for your home, there are several things to consider before making your purchase.
Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that last well beyond the initial months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible which allow you to transform the crib into the size of a toddler bed or full-size bed. This can save you money and prolong its lifespan.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for small spaces like lofts or apartments. Some cribs come with an adjustable table, which is beneficial if your nursery is restricted in space.
Travel cribs offer the same degree of convenience, since they're designed to be lightweight and foldable for easy transport. They're an excellent choice for traveling with your baby or visiting family and friends since they are easy to pack and taken away. However, the light construction of travel cribs may lead to less sturdy construction than standard models and could pose an issue for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that will make a statement in a room, look for a model that has a distinctive style. You may find one that features a sleek, minimalist design or one that is constructed of a material like glass or bamboo and has clear sides for a better visibility. These are often more expensive than their solid wood counterparts, but they can add a beautiful accent to any nursery.
Other cribs have a more traditional design with beautiful curves and moldings. They also have an appearance that reminds of heirloom pieces. They can be very extravagant, and are generally handmade with beautiful details. They are a great option to consider if you're in search of a crib that can become a family heirloom over time. They also work well with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular design. It has straight lines that are smooth and straight with the light, bare-wood finish. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. They're an excellent fit for modern or contemporary nursery and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to complement your decor.
These cribs can be used as a changing table, making it easier to change your baby. This is particularly true for infants who are young and have difficulty sitting up. recommended cribs have drawers for storing wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs are curved or have designs on the side that can be used to create an effect of canopy. They can bring a touch of class to any nursery and are a fantastic way to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. Make sure to choose a fabrics that aren't too long and that is tightly anchored to your crib. This will stop your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that transforms into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size bed is an excellent investment for any family. This feature allows you to save money since you don't have to buy four separate beds as your child grows and also saves space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs are equipped with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to use them when required.
When you are looking for a new crib, keep in mind that most cribs include additional features such as adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This allows you to customize the look and function of your crib, and can be especially useful if you're working with only a tiny or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs come with wheels that are extremely useful in case you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made from sturdy non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the rigorous safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature a contemporary or classic design that can suit a wide variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, while others could be constructed from stainless steel or painted metal. Some brands are even committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD GOLD-certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins leach into the environment.
It takes some time and research to select the ideal convertible crib for you nursery. But, it's a decision that will last for many years. Take your time when evaluating your options and make sure you look at prices, delivery costs, time to set up, among other things to make the best decision for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a huge piece of furniture that will make a significant impact on the appearance and feel of the nursery of your baby. This is why choosing one that is in line with your preferred style or that will work well with the rest of your room's decor will make a big difference in 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 and provide you with an advantage over time. They are also typically less expensive than full-size beds, and can be sold or given to a relative when your child no longer requires them.
Convertible cribs are also easily maintained, since most components can be removed and cleaned, and a lot have a conversion kit which makes it simple to transform them into the perfect size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand a lot of use and are durable. Some even last through many children.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring mattresses which makes them easier to move when changing sheets or altering mattress height. They are more likely to wear out and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattress.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning of toddlerhood, with one side that is softer for infants and a more firm side for toddlers. They are usually safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older children who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They are also typically cheaper than innerspring alternatives.