Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide a dedicated sleeping area for infants to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern style or a more traditional design Make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure it meets the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Take into consideration other aspects when choosing the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent you are responsible for the safety of your baby is of paramount importance. You want your child to rest peacefully in an environment free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. It is crucial to select a crib that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards.
These include slat spacings no wider than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's legs, arms or head from becoming caught in the mattress; a mattress that is comfortable and firm without drop sides; a stable crib with no wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. You should also avoid bells and whistles, like bumper streamers or pads, which can present a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for a crib that is painted with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to glues and varnishes that emit harmful chemicals into the air. Look for mattresses made from organic foam and cotton.
Select a crib that does not have decorative embellishments or cutouts. These can cause injury should your child pick them up or gets their fingers stuck in them. Also, make sure that the mattress cover is securely fitted to the crib frame, and that there aren't gaps between the frame and the mattress. Avoid placing blankets, pillows or sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed animals in the crib. They can increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles are also a potential hazard, as they can be pulled down onto the baby and cause death. It is recommended to choose a crib mattress made of mesh that is breathable, instead of a mobile. This is healthier for the health of your baby and allows you to supervise them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure place for your baby's sleep is one of the most important things you'll need. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby to sleep particularly when you are working on other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs in your local home goods store or nursery. These types of establishments have to comply with strict regulations established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are usually the best place to start your search for a high-quality crib. You'll need to consider a variety of aspects before purchasing a crib.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for toddlers, infants and babies that last well beyond the initial months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible which allow you to transform the crib into an infant bed or a full-size bed. This will save you money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
Another benefit of cribs is their small footprint, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some models come with an adjustable table, which is beneficial if your nursery is small in size.
Travel cribs offer the same level of convenience, as they're designed to be light and foldable to make it easy to transport. This makes them a great option when you're traveling with your child, or when visiting family and friends since you can put the crib away within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. The crib's lightweight construction could make for a less sturdy crib than traditional models. This could be a concern to some parents.
3. Style
Choose a crib with an original design if you want it to stand out. There are cribs with a minimalist, sleek design or constructed from something like glass or bamboo. It may also have transparent sides for easy observation. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however they can be a stunning centerpiece in any nursery.
Other cribs offer an older-fashioned style with elegant curves and moldings, reminiscent of antique furniture. They can be extremely extravagant, and are typically handmade with beautiful details. These are great options for an item that will be a favorite piece of family furniture over time and can be paired with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular style. It is characterized by straight, smooth lines and a light, bare-wood finish. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. They're a good fit to any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
These cribs can be used as a changing table, making it easier to change your child. This is especially true for infants who are young and have difficulty sitting up. They usually have drawers underneath to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs are bent or have designs on the side that can be used to create an effect of canopy. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery and are an excellent option to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. Be sure to use fabrics that aren't too long and is tightly anchored to your crib. This will ensure your child doesn't reach out to grasp the fabric and pull it back.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be converted into a toddler's crib, a daybed or a full-size bed can be incredibly useful for any family. This feature allows you to save money since you don't have to buy four beds as your child grows and also saves space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to use them when required.
Another thing to keep in mind when you're looking for cribs is that a lot of models have additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This allows you to customize the look and functionality of your crib. It's especially beneficial in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels which can be extremely useful if you have to move the bed to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally made from sturdy non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. most recommended cribs meet the stringent safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature modern or classic designs that can be adapted to a wide variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, whereas others can be constructed of 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 are released into the environment.
The best convertible crib for your baby requires some time and effort, but it is an important choice that could last for a long time. Consider your options and evaluate the prices, delivery times, and other aspects before settling on a choice.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and can have a significant impact on the overall design and feel of the room. This is why choosing one that matches your preference in style or one that works well with the rest of your room decor can make a significant difference in how you feel about the nursery when you are there.
As your child gets older, cribs designed to convert into toddler beds or daybeds will continue to be useful, giving you a long-term benefit. They're also generally less expensive than larger beds and are able to be sold or given to a relative when your child no more requires them.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, as the majority of the parts are easily removed and cleaned and the majority come with an adapter kit that allows you to transform them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs are extremely robust and can withstand the rigors of frequent use, with some lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. However, they can be more worn out and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual firm or two-stage mattresses are designed to be used by babies and toddlers. One side is gentler for infants, while the other side is more firm for toddlers. They're generally more secure than foam mattresses and are more comfortable for older children who aren't a fan of the sagging feeling of foam. These mattresses are often cheaper than innerspring alternatives.