Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated baby's sleeping space to reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also offer more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
If you opt for a modern design or a more traditional design, make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure it adheres to the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Then consider other features to find the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent your baby's safety is a top priority. You want your child to sleep peacefully in an environment free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. It's important to choose a crib that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards.
This includes slat spacing that is not more than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's head, arms or legs from becoming stuck; mattresses that are firm and snug-fitting with no drop sides; a solid crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear instructions for assembly. Also, avoid bells and whistles, such as bumper streams or pads, as they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Find cribs that are painted with low-VOC, a safer option than traditional glues or varnishes which release harmful chemicals. Find mattresses made of non-toxic materials like organic foam and cotton.
Lastly, choose a crib free of decorative embellishments and cutouts that could be a risk of injury in the event that your child is able to grab them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is securely fit to the frame of the crib and that there aren't any gaps between the frame and the mattress. Also, you should avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts pillows, sheepskins or similar stuffed toys in the crib, because they can increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also be a danger, as they can be pulled down on the baby and cause them to suffocate. You should choose a mesh crib mobile that is breathable rather than 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 will require is an area that is safe to sleep in. best crib for newborn are a great place for your baby to rest, which can be particularly helpful when you're busy tending to other household chores or activities.
You'll likely find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These kinds of establishments must follow strict guidelines that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are generally the best place to start your search for a high-quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are a few things to consider prior to purchasing.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for toddlers, infants and newborns that will last well beyond the initial months of life. Many cribs come with convertible features, allowing you to convert the crib into the size of a toddler bed or full-sized bed. This can save you money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
Another benefit of cribs is their compact footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some models also come with an area for changing which is a great option if you have limited room in your nursery.
They are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to move. They're an excellent choice for traveling with your baby or visiting friends and family since they are easy to pack up before you leave. However, the light construction of travel cribs may cause less durable construction than standard models, which may be an issue for some parents.
3. Style
Choose a crib with a unique design if you want it to stand out. There are cribs with an elegant, minimalist design or made from a material such as bamboo or glass. It may also have transparent sides for easy observation. These are often more expensive than solid wood alternatives however they can be an appealing centerpiece to any nursery.
Other cribs feature a more traditional look with graceful curves and molding, reminiscent of furniture from the past. They can be quite extravagant, and are generally made by hand with exquisite details. They are an excellent choice to consider if you're in search of an infant crib that will become an heirloom for your family over time. They also work well with any style.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian-style crib with straight lines that are smooth and a light, bare wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are ideal for an modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood unfinished to complement your decor.
These cribs can be used as a changing table making it easier to change your baby. This is especially true for infants who are young and have trouble sitting up. These cribs come with drawers for storing wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs have curved sides or designs that can be used as an umbrella. These can add a touch elegance to any nursery and help keep your baby comfy and cool as they sleep. Be sure to use fabrics that aren't too long and that is tightly anchored 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 bed, daybed, and full-size bed is a fantastic investment for any family. This feature can save you money purchasing four separate beds during your child's development and will also free up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to make use of them whenever required.
Another thing to keep in mind when you're looking for a crib is that many cribs come with additional features, such as drawers or adjustable mattress heights. This allows you to modify the appearance and function of your crib. It can be particularly useful if you're working with a small or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs come with wheels that can be extremely helpful if you want to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are usually constructed with durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and comply with stringent safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have a contemporary or classic design that can be adapted to a wide variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed from wood as well as others made from steel or painted. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which ensures that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your child requires some time and thought, but it is an important choice that could last for years to come. Look at your options and compare the prices and delivery times as well as other aspects before making a decision.
5. Value
The crib is a large piece of furniture that can have a major impact on the design and feel of the nursery of your baby. Therefore, selecting one that matches your preferred style or fits well with the other decor elements in your room will make a big difference in how you feel about the nursery as you are there.
As your child grows older, cribs designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds will continue to be useful providing you with an advantage over time. They are also typically less expensive than larger beds and are able to be sold or given to a friend when your child no longer requires them.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain since the majority of the components can be removed and cleaned and the majority have a conversion kit that makes it easy to convert them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are sturdy. Some even last through many children.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring alternatives which makes them more convenient to move when changing sheets or adjusting mattress height. However, they may wear out more quickly and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or 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 generally more secure than foam mattresses and may be more comfortable for older children who don't want the sagging feel of foam. They are usually cheaper than innerspring mattresses.