Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated sleeping area for infants to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular sleep routine. Cribs also provide more flexibility than other options such as bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern design or a more traditional design ensure that it's GreenGuard Gold certified to ensure that it meets the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Consider other features when choosing 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 sleep at ease in a space free of dangers, 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 prevent your baby's legs, arms or head from getting trapped in the mattress; mattresses that are comfortable and firm; no drop sides; a stable crib that is not prone to wobbling; and detailed assembly instructions. Avoid bells and whistles, for example bumper streams or pads, as they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for cribs with low-VOC varnish, which is a safer option in comparison to conventional glues or varnishes that release harmful chemicals. Also, search for a mattress that is made using non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Choose a crib without any ornaments or cutouts. They can cause injury when your child grabs them, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Check that the mattress cover is securely attached to the frame of the crib and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame. Avoid putting pillows, blankets, sheepskins, or pillow-like stuffed animals in the crib. They can increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a danger, as they could fall towards the baby, causing them to suffocate. Ideally, you should avoid a mobile completely and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is more beneficial for your baby's health as well as let you keep an eye on your baby while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most essential things your baby will require is a secure place to sleep. Cribs are a great place for your baby's sleep, especially when you are engaged in other household chores.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or at the home goods store. These types of establishments have to adhere to strict guidelines established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are generally the best place to begin your search for a top quality crib. If you're looking to purchase a crib for your home, there are several considerations you'll need to make before making your purchase.
Cribs are a great option for infants, newborns and toddlers, providing an inviting sleeping space that lasts well beyond the first few years of existence. A lot of cribs are convertible which allow you to transform the crib into an infant bed or a full-size bed. This can save you money and extend the life of your crib.
The compact size of cribs makes them ideal for small spaces such as lofts or apartments. Some cribs come with the option of a changing table, which is useful if your nursery is limited in space.
Travel cribs provide a similar level of convenience, as they're designed to be lightweight and easily foldable for transport. They're a great option to travel with your baby or visiting friends and family since they are easy to pack and taken away. The light construction may result in a less sturdy crib than the standard ones. This may be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with distinctive design if want it to stand out. You can find one with a sleek, minimalist design or one that is made of a material like bamboo or glass, and features clear sides for easy access. They are usually more expensive than their solid wood counterparts however, they can make a beautiful centerpiece to any nursery.
Other cribs offer an older-fashioned style with graceful curves and molding, reminiscent of heirloom furniture. They can be quite extravagant, and are generally handcrafted with beautiful details. They are a great option when you are looking for a crib that can become a favorite piece of family furniture over time and work with any style.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian-style crib with smooth straight lines and a light, naked wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. They're an excellent fit to any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can 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 important for babies who are still young and have trouble sitting up. These cribs have drawers that can be used to store wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs are curved or have designs on the sides which can be used to create an effect of canopy. They can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are an excellent way to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. But, make sure that the fabric you choose isn't too long, or that it's firmly attached to the crib. This will ensure your child can't reach out and grasp the fabric and pull it back.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be converted into a toddler's crib, an adult daybed or a large bed is a great option for any family. This feature can save you money purchasing four separate beds over your child's growth as well as save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with conversion kits that can be stored easily, making them simple to put together and use at any time.
When looking for a brand crib that you want to buy, keep in mind that a lot of cribs come with additional features like adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This will allow you to modify the appearance and function of your crib, and could be especially useful when you have the smallest or most small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels that can be very helpful when you need to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.
cot beds are typically made of durable non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the rigorous safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature an elegant or contemporary design that can suit a wide range of nursery decor. Some cribs are made of wood, whereas others can be constructed of stainless steel or painted metal. Some brands are committed sustainability, offering eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins are not absorbed into the surrounding environment.
The best convertible crib for your child requires some time and thought, but it is an important decision that will last for years to come. Be sure to consider your options carefully and make sure you evaluate prices, delivery and setup times and other factors to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a huge piece of furniture that can have a significant impact on the design and feel of your baby's nursery. Because of that, choosing one that is in line with your preferred style or fits well with the other decor elements in your room can make a significant impact on how you feel about the nursery when you are there.
As your child gets older cribs that can be converted into daybeds or toddler beds will continue to be useful and provide you with an advantage over time. They are also typically less expensive than larger beds and can be traded in or donated to a family member when your child no more requires them.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain, since most of the parts can be removed and cleaned and the majority have an conversion kit that makes it easier to transform them into the appropriate size bed for your child. Wood cribs are extremely sturdy and can withstand demands of daily use, with some even lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring options which makes them more convenient to move around when changing sheets or altering mattress height. They may wear out faster and need replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning through toddlerhood, with a side that's softer for infants and a firmer side for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses and are more comfortable for older children who dislike the sagging sensation of foam. They are usually cheaper than innerspring mattresses.