Choosing a Baby Crib

It's thrilling to design a nursery however, choosing the crib will be one of your most important decisions. The crib that your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their development and health regardless of the design of the slats, or the mattress height.

Make sure to check the crib's hardware regularly. Bolts and nails can become loose over time. Avoid placing your crib in close proximity to drapes or blinds hanging because they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.

Size

When choosing a crib, size is an important factor. The crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleepy baby, yet small enough for you to be able to reach them easily and take care of them. It should be strong enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear.

The majority of cribs are made from wood or metal, and a majority have sliding sides. These features allow caregivers to observe the baby from different angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are used from birth until your child is about two years old. of age, at which point they have to be moved to the toddler bed.

Most standard cribs have a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is ideal for babies. The most advanced setting is for infants who are able to sit up or crawl. Measure the crib's interior to ensure the mattress will fit. The slatted design can leave small gaps which could be dangerous for your baby.

Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, but still comply with the same safety standards. These include portable infant beds, bassinets cots and tots play yards. These cribs are smaller than the standard ones and have rigid or mesh sides.

If you decide to purchase a non-standard crib, review the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. They might have specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should test the gap between the crib and mattress to make sure it is no more than 1 inch, which is the maximum safe space.

A waterproof cover for your baby's mattress can help keep it clean and safe from spills or accidents. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that reduces bacteria and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.

If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010. They have been outlawed in the US since 2011. Even if you intend to buy or receive a crib with drop sides for your baby, make sure to remove it when your child reaches 35 inches or has the ability to climb out.

Safety

A crib for your baby is the most secure place for your child. It is not only an area to rest, but also a place where you can see and hold them frequently. While there are many different models and brands of cribs available each one must comply with certain safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission sets these standards to ensure that cribs are safe for babies.

Before you put your child in the crib, great crib patterns in the footboard or headboard.

Additionally the mattress should be able to fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is because gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies legs and arms to get caught in the crib. Some cribs come with bars for stability to help keep the mattress in place. If your crib does not include stabilizer bars, you'll need to purchase an additional mattress pad for support.

A great crib also has a mattress that is low, which helps prevent children from climbing over the edge of the crib. It's a great option for smaller parents or rooms with a limited space Be sure to measure the mattress height before you purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.

If you're looking for a crib that can grow with your child, think about purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a bed that is full size. A few of the cribs on our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.

Budget

While the majority of cribs are priced at hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib is less than 200 dollars and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter and Baby Cot Bed Bargains. It also has a profile that is medium height, making it simple to take your child in and out.

Another crib that is budget-friendly is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to set up and folds down in two minutes. It can be used indoors or outdoors on a patio or deck and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a long-term solution for sleeping because your child will outgrow it after six months.

There are also budget-friendly bassinets and Great Crib cradles that can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib, they are also more compact and easier to move around. They're only a temporary sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow it before their first birthday.

A crib that is of good quality should have a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions, depending on the development of your baby. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, especially when you're less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the opening of the mattress that could cause your child to get trapped as they play or attempt to climb.

Some cribs have attached changing areas that help diapering a bit more convenient and quicker. These are convenient however they require more space than traditional cribs. They might not be the best rated cribs option for smaller nurseries.

It is also important to consider the materials the crib is made of. Many traditional cribs are made of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Find a crib made out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.