Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib provides infants with an area for sleeping that is specifically designed to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent routine of sleeping. Cribs also offer more flexibility than other options like bassinets.
If you decide to go with an innovative design or a traditional style, be sure to check if it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to toxic chemicals. Consider other features to determine the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, your baby's safety is of paramount importance. You want your child to rest peacefully in a safe environment and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacings no wider than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's head, arms or legs from becoming caught in the mattress; a mattress that is firm and snug-fitting with no drop sides; a sturdy crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear assembly instructions. Avoid using any bells or whistles such as bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Look for cribs painted with low-VOC paint, a safer option in comparison to conventional glues or varnishes which emit harmful chemicals. Similarly, search for a mattress that is made with non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Choose a crib without any decorative embellishments or cutouts. They can cause injury if your child grabs them, or gets their fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is secure and tightly attached to the frame of your crib and that there aren't gaps between the frame and the mattress. Also, you should avoid putting pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Mobiles are also a danger, as they could fall towards the baby, causing them to choke. It is recommended to avoid using a mobile at all costs and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This will be better for your baby's health and will allow you to monitor your baby as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most essential things your baby will need is a safe place to sleep. Cribs provide a convenient spot for your baby to rest, which can be particularly useful when you're juggling other household chores or activities.
small cot beds can find cribs at your local nursery or at the home goods store. They must follow strict guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best place to begin your search for a quality crib. You'll have to consider a variety of factors before you buy a crib.
Cribs provide a comfy sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that will last beyond their first few months of life. Many cribs have convertible features, allowing you to convert the crib into an infant bed or a full-sized bed. This will save you money and prolong its lifespan.
Another advantage of cribs is their compact footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces such as apartments or lofts. Some models also include a changing station that could be useful when you have a small space in your nursery.
Travel cribs are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to carry around. This makes them an excellent option for traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family since you can put the crib away within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. The light construction may result in a less durable crib than traditional models. This could be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with an original design if you want it to stand out. There are cribs with sleek, minimalist design or constructed from materials like glass or bamboo. It could also have clear sides to allow for easy observation. These are often more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can make a beautiful centerpiece to any nursery.
Other cribs have a more traditional design with graceful curves and moldings. They also have the look of antique pieces. They can also be quite intricate and are often handcrafted with beautiful details. They are an excellent choice when you're looking for a crib that can become an heirloom for your family over time. They also work well with any design.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular style. It has straight lines that are smooth and straight with a light, bare-wood finish. This lets 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.
They can also serve as a changing table, making it easier to change your child. This is especially true for babies who are still young and have trouble sitting up. These cribs have drawers that can be used for storing wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as an umbrella. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery and keep your baby comfortable and cool during their sleep. Be sure, however, that the fabric you choose to use isn't too long or is securely attached to the crib. This will ensure your child can't reach out and grab the fabric and pull it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed a daybed, or a full-size bed is a great option 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. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that store easily, making them simple to assemble and use at any time.
When you are looking for a crib for your child, bear in mind that many models come with additional features like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This lets you modify the appearance and function of your crib, and could be especially useful in the case of a small or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs even have wheels which can be extremely useful if you have to move the bed to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally constructed using durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and meet the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. Many models have an elegant or contemporary design that will suit the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, while others could be constructed from stainless steel painted or metal. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs utilizing GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your child requires some time and effort however, it's an important decision that can be used for many years to come. Compare your options and compare prices, delivery times, and other factors before settling on a choice.
5. Value
The crib is a massive piece of furniture that will have a major impact on the look and feel of your baby's nursery. It is crucial to select a crib that fits your style and will work well with the decor of your room. This will make a huge difference in the way you feel about your nursery.
Similar to cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds for toddlers or toddlers can be used as your child grows, providing you long-term value. They're also generally less expensive than larger beds and can be sold or given to a relative when your child no more requires them.
Convertible cribs can be easily maintained, as most parts can be removed, cleaned, and a lot have a conversion set which makes it simple to transform them into the ideal size bed for your baby. Wood cribs are extremely robust and can withstand the stress of regular use, with some even last through multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options which makes them easier to move around when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. However, they can 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 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 babies who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They are also typically more affordable than innerspring options.