Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated sleeping space for infants to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, such as bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern style or a more traditional style ensure that it's GreenGuard Gold certified to ensure it is in compliance with the highest safety standards and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Take into consideration other aspects when choosing the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As parents to a child, the safety of your child is your top concern. You want your baby to rest peacefully in a safe and secure space that is free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. Select a crib that is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
This includes slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from getting caught in the mattress; an appropriate mattress that is well-made and comfortable with no drop sides; a sturdy crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid any bells and whistles, such as bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Find a crib that has been painted with low-VOC paint which is a safer alternative to glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. In addition, you should consider a mattress constructed using non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Finally, pick a crib that is free of decorative ornaments and cutouts, which can cause injury in the event that your child grasps them or gets their fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is secure and tightly fitted to the crib frame, and that there are no gaps between the mattress and the frame. You should also avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts, sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib, because they can increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Mobiles are also a potential danger, since they could be pulled down onto the baby and cause the baby to suffocate. In the ideal scenario, you should stay clear of using a mobile at all costs and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for your baby's health and allow you to keep an eye on your baby as they sleep.
2. Baby Cot of the most essential things your baby will require is a safe place to sleep. Cribs offer a comfortable place for your baby to rest, which can be particularly useful when you're juggling other household chores or activities.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. These types of establishments must adhere to strict guidelines that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are generally the best place to begin your search for a quality crib. If you want to buy a crib for your home, there are several factors to take into consideration before making your purchase.
Cribs are a fantastic option for infants, newborns and toddlers, providing an incredibly comfortable bed that will last for the initial years of life. Many cribs have convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into the size of a toddler bed or full-sized bed. This will help you save money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their small footprint which makes them ideal for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some cribs also have a changing station that could be useful in the event that you are limited on space in your nursery.
Travel cribs are also lightweight and foldable, making them simple to carry around. This makes them an excellent choice when traveling with your child or visiting family and friends because you can easily take the crib down in a few minutes before leaving. However, Baby beds of cribs for travel can cause less durable construction than standard models which could be a concern for some parents.
3. Style
Find a crib that has distinctive design if want it to stand out. There are cribs with an elegant, minimalist design or constructed from something like bamboo or glass. It could also have clear sides that allow for easy access to. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives, but they can add an appealing focal point to any nursery.
Other cribs feature an older-fashioned style with elegant curves and molding, which is reminiscent of furniture from the past. They can also be quite intricate and are often handcrafted with beautiful details. These are excellent options for an item that will be an integral piece of furniture for your family over time and will work well with any theme.
Another style that is popular is a Scandinavian crib with smooth straight lines and a light, unfinished wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are perfect for modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood bare to complement your decor.
Cribs that combine the function of a changing table could make it much easier to change your baby, particularly when they're young and have trouble sitting up on their own. These models have drawers to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as a canopy. Baby beds can add a touch elegant to any nursery and keep your baby comfortable and cool while they sleep. Make sure to choose a fabrics that are not too long and tightly anchored to your crib. This will stop 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 an excellent investment for any family. This feature allows you to save money as you do not have to buy four beds as your child gets older, and it also helps to save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to utilize them as required.
When shopping for a crib for your child, bear in mind that a lot of cribs have additional features, like adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This allows you to customize the look and functionality of your crib. It is especially useful in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels, which can be very helpful in case you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs typically are constructed from durable, non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature a contemporary or classic design that will fit into a broad variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed from wood and others are made from steel or painted. Some brands are committed to environmental sustainability, and offer eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful chemicals do not leach into the environment.
Choosing the best convertible crib for your baby will require some time and thought, but it is an important choice that could be used for many years to come. Consider your options carefully and make sure you evaluate prices, delivery and time to set up, among other things to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby, and it has a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space. It is crucial to select the crib that is in line with your style and will work well with the decor of your room. This can make a big impact on how you feel about your nursery.
In the same way, cribs designed to transform into toddler beds or daybeds extend their utility as your child grows, giving you a long-term benefit. They are also less expensive than a traditional bed and can be lent or sold to a friend when your child no longer has need.
Convertible cribs can also be easily maintained, as most components can be removed and cleaned, and some have a conversion kit that makes it easy to convert them into the right size bed for your child. Wood cribs are extremely robust and can withstand the demands of daily use, with some lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring mattresses which makes them more convenient to move around when changing sheets or adjusting mattress height. However, they can wear out more quickly 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 of toddlerhood, with a side that's softer for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. They're generally safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older babies who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They're also generally cheaper than innerspring ones.