Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide a dedicated baby's sleeping space to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also encourages a consistent sleep routine. cot beds have more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
If you choose modern or traditional style, be certain to confirm that it is GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it satisfies the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Also, consider other options to choose the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As parents, the safety of your child is your top concern. You want your child to rest peacefully in a secure environment, free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. Pick a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
This includes slat spacing that is not more than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's legs, arms or head from getting caught; mattresses that are comfortable and firm without drop sides; a sturdy crib that has no wobbling parts and clear assembly instructions. Avoid using any bells or whistles like bumper pads or streamers that could strangle your baby.
Choose a crib that has been painted with low-VOC paints, a safer alternative to glues and varnishes that emit harmful chemicals into the air. Also, search for a mattress that is made of non-toxic materials such as organic cotton and foam.
Pick a crib with no decorative ornaments or cutouts. These can cause injury when your child grabs them, or gets their fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is securely fitted to the crib frame and that there are no gaps between the frame and the mattress. Also, you should avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts pillows, sheepskins or similar stuffed toys in the crib, since they could increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Mobiles are also a potential hazard, as they can be tipped over onto the baby, causing the baby to suffocate. It is recommended to avoid a mobile completely and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is healthier for the health of your baby and allows you to watch over them while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure place for your baby to sleep is among the most essential things you will need. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby to rest particularly when you are busy with other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These establishments must adhere to strict regulations set out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal location to start your search for a quality crib. You'll need to take into consideration several aspects before purchasing a crib.
Cribs provide a comfy sleeping area for toddlers, infants and babies that last well beyond the initial months of life. Many cribs come with convertible features which allow you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This will save you money on your purchase and extend its life.
The compact size of cribs makes them ideal for small spaces such as apartments or lofts. Some cribs also have an area for changing which is a great option in the event that you are limited on space in your nursery.
They are also lightweight and foldable, making them simple to carry around. They're a great option for traveling with your baby or visiting friends and family, as they can be easily packed into a suitcase before you leave. However, the light construction of travel cribs may cause less durable construction than standard cribs and could pose an issue for some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with distinctive design if want it to stand out. You can find one that features a sleek, minimalist design or one made of a material such as bamboo or glass and features clear sides for easy accessibility. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives, but can be a beautiful accent piece for any nursery.
Other cribs feature an older-fashioned style with elegant curves and molding, reminiscent of heirloom furniture. They can also be intricate and are often handcrafted with beautiful details. They are a great option if you're looking for the perfect crib that will be an heirloom for your family over time. They can also go well with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular style. It has straight lines that are smooth and straight with an ethereal, bare-wood look. This lets the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. These cribs are great for modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood unfinished to fit in with your decor.
Cribs that combine the function of a changing table could make it much easier to change your baby, especially when they're younger and aren't able to sit on their own. These cribs come with drawers for storing wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the side that can be used to create a canopy effect. These can add a touch elegant to any nursery and help keep your baby comfy and cool while they sleep. Be sure to use fabrics that aren't too long and firmly attached to your crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts into a toddler's bed an adult daybed or a large bed can be extremely useful for any family. This feature will save you money from 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 simple to use them when needed.
Another important thing to consider when you're looking for a crib is that many models have additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This allows you to customize your crib's look and functionality. It is especially useful if your nursery has limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels, which can be very helpful in case you need to move the bed around for cleaning or for any other reason.
Convertible cribs are usually constructed with durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. Many models have a classic or contemporary design that can be adapted to a variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed from wood, while others are fabricated from steel or painted. Some brands are committed sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This assures that harmful toxins do not leach into the surrounding environment.
It takes some time and research to choose the most suitable convertible crib for your nursery. However, it's an investment that will last for years to come. Compare your options and compare the prices as well as delivery times and other aspects before deciding.
5. Value
The crib is the most important piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and has a big impact on the overall look and feel of the room. Therefore, selecting one that is in line with your preferred style or fits well with the rest of your room decor will make a big impact on how you feel about the nursery when you are there.
As your child grows older cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds are still useful and provide you with the long-term benefits. They are also less costly than full-size beds and can be donated or sold to a friend after your child no longer has need.
Convertible cribs can also be easily maintained, since most parts can be taken off and cleaned, and some come with a conversion set that makes it easy to transform them into the ideal size bed for your baby. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are sturdy. Some can even last for multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options and can be more maneuverable when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. However, they could wear out more quickly and need replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning to toddlerhood, having a side that's softer for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. They're generally safer than foam mattresses and are more comfortable for older babies who aren't a fan of the sagging feeling of foam. They are also typically more affordable than innerspring options.