Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib provides infants with a dedicated sleep space to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent sleeping routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, like bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern design or a traditional one, make certain to confirm that it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. Consider other features when choosing the crib that is suitable for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, the safety of your baby is of paramount importance. You want your child to sleep peacefully in a safe and secure space and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. It's important to choose a crib that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) strict standards.
These include slat spacings no wider than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's legs, arms or head from becoming trapped and an appropriate mattress that is well-made and comfortable without drop sides; a stable crib with no wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid bells and whistles, like bumper streams or pads, as they could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Find cribs that are painted with low-VOC varnish, which is an alternative than traditional glues or varnishes which release harmful chemicals. In addition, you should look for a mattress made with non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Choose a crib without any decorative embellishments or cutouts. These can cause injury should your child pick them up, or gets their fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is secure and securely attached to the frame of your crib and that there aren't gaps between the mattress and the frame. You should also avoid putting pillows, quilts, comforters and sheepskins, as well as pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib since they could increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles are also a potential hazard, as they can be tipped over onto the baby, causing suffocation. It is recommended to avoid using a mobile at all costs and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is more beneficial for your baby's health and let you monitor your baby as they sleep.
2. best cot beds of the most essential things your baby will need is an area that is safe to sleep in. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby to rest, especially when you are working on other household chores.
You 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 ideal location to start your search for a top-quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are several things to consider before purchasing.
Cribs are a great option for newborns, infants and toddlers, offering a comfortable sleeping area that lasts well beyond the first few years of existence. Many cribs have convertible features that let you convert cribs into toddler beds or full size beds, which will reduce your costs and prolong the lifespan of your crib purchase.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for small spaces such as apartments or lofts. Some models also come with an area for changing which is a great option if you have limited room in your nursery.
Travel cribs offer the same degree of convenience, since they're designed to be light and foldable to make it easy to transport. This makes them an excellent option when you're traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family, as you can easily take the crib down in just a few minutes prior to leaving. The crib's lightweight construction could result in a less durable crib than traditional models. This might be a cause of concern for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can stand out in a space choose a crib with a unique style. It could be one that features sleek, minimalist designs or one that is constructed of a material such as bamboo or glass and has clear sides for easy accessibility. They are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives however they can be an attractive accent to any nursery.
Some cribs feature an older style with beautiful curves and moldings, as well as an appearance that reminds of heirloom pieces. They can also be quite intricate and are often handcrafted with gorgeous details. These are excellent options for a crib that will become a beloved piece of family furniture over time and will work well with any theme.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular design. It features smooth, straight lines with a light, bare-wood finish. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. They're great to any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
Cribs that combine the function of a changing table can make it easier to change your baby, especially when they're young and struggle to sit up on their own. They typically have drawers beneath to store wipes, diapers and other necessities.
Some cribs have curving sides or designs that can be used as an umbrella. They can add a touch of elegant to any nursery and will keep your baby comfortable and cool during their sleep. Make sure to choose a fabric that is not too long and tightly anchored to your crib. This will ensure that your child isn't able to reach out and grab the fabric and pull it back.
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 since you don't have to buy four beds as your child gets older, and also frees up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to utilize them as needed.
Another aspect to be aware of when you're looking for cribs is that a lot of models have additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This lets you customize the appearance and function of your crib. It is especially useful in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels that can be very helpful when you need to move the bed for cleaning or any other reason.
Convertible cribs are typically made with sturdy, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and comply with the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have an elegant or contemporary design that can suit a wide selection of nursery décor. Some cribs are constructed from wood, while others are fabricated from steel or painted. Some brands are committed to environmental sustainability, and offer eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful chemicals are not absorbed into the surrounding environment.
It takes some research and thought to select the ideal convertible crib for your nursery. However, it's one that will last for many years. Compare your options and evaluate the prices, delivery times, and other aspects before deciding.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby, and it can have a significant impact on the overall design and feel of the space. Therefore, selecting one that matches your preferred style or that will work well with the rest of your room decor can make a huge difference in how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
Similarly, cribs that are designed to transform into daybeds or toddler beds can be used as your child grows, providing you value over the long term. They are also less costly than full-size bed and can be lent or sold to a friend after your child no longer has need of.
Convertible cribs can also be easily maintained, as most parts can be taken off and cleaned, and a lot have a conversion set that allows you to convert them into the right size bed for your child. Wood cribs are extremely durable and can withstand the rigors of frequent use, with some last through multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options and are therefore easier to move around when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. However, they could be more worn out and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning of toddlerhood, with one side that is softer for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. They are generally safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable to older babies who don't like the sagging sensation of foam. They're also generally cheaper than innerspring alternatives.