Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide infants with an area for sleeping that is specifically designed to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and encourages a regular sleep routine. Cribs also offer more flexibility than other options like bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern style or a more traditional design ensure that it's GreenGuard Gold certified to ensure that it meets the highest safety standards and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Consider other features when choosing the crib that is suitable for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, the safety of your child is a top priority. You want your child to rest peacefully in an environment free of dangers, such as sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
There are numerous things to look for in a mattress, such as slat spacing which isn't more than 2 3/8 inch so your baby's legs and arms aren't entangled. Also, a mattress with a firm and snug fit and no drop sides stable cribs without wobbling parts and detailed instructions on assembly. Avoid bells and whistles, like bumper streamers or pads, which could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for cribs painted with low-VOC varnish, which is an alternative in comparison to conventional glues or varnishes which emit harmful chemicals. Similarly, consider a mattress constructed with non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Select a crib that does not have decorative embellishments or cutouts. They could cause injuries should your child pick them up, or gets their fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is secure and tightly attached to the frame of your crib, and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress and the frame. It is also recommended to avoid placing pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib, as these can increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a risk, since they could be pushed down on the baby, causing suffocation. In the ideal scenario, you should stay clear of using a mobile at all costs and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for the health of your baby and lets you watch over them while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure space for your baby to sleep is one of the most essential things you'll require. Cribs offer a comfortable place for your little one to rest, which will be particularly helpful when you're juggling other household chores or other activities.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or at the home goods store. These establishments must adhere to strict guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal location to start your search for a top-quality crib. You'll need to take into consideration several aspects prior to purchasing the crib.
Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that last well beyond the first few months of life. Many cribs have convertible features that allow you to convert cribs into toddler beds or full size beds, which can help you save money and extend the lifespan of the crib you purchase.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for small spaces such as apartments or lofts. Some cribs come with an adjustable table, which is beneficial if your nursery is small in size.
Travel cribs are also lightweight and foldable, making them simple to move. This makes them a great choice when traveling with your child or visiting friends and family, as you can easily put the crib away in a few minutes before leaving. The lightweight construction can also make for a less sturdy crib than traditional models. This may be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Choose a crib with distinctive design if want it to stand out. You can find a crib with sleek, minimalist style or made of materials like bamboo or glass. It could also have transparent sides for easy viewing. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood versions, but they can add a beautiful centerpiece to any nursery.
Other cribs have an older style with graceful curves and moldings, as well as the look of antique pieces. They can be very extravagant, and are typically made by hand with exquisite details. These are great options when you are looking for an item that will be a favorite piece of family furniture over time and work with any theme.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular design. It features smooth, straight lines with an ethereal, bare-wood look. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. They're a good fit for any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can easily paint them or leave them as is to match your decor.
Cribs that can serve as a combination of a changing table could make it much easier to change your baby, particularly when they're young and aren't able to sit on their own. These cribs come with drawers to store wipes, diapers and other necessities.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the sides that can be used to create an illusion of a canopy. They can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are an excellent option to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. Make sure you use a fabrics that aren't too long and is firmly attached to your crib. This will stop your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that transforms into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size bed is a fantastic investment for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds over your child's growth as well as save space in the nursery. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that store easily, making them easy to set up and use at any time.
When looking for a brand new crib, keep in mind that most cribs have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. small cot beds allows you to customize the look and functionality of your crib. It's especially beneficial in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels, which are extremely useful in case you need to move the bed around for cleaning or any other reason.
Convertible cribs are usually constructed with durable non-toxic, non-toxic materials which are safe for your baby and meet the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. Many models have modern or classic designs that can fit into different styles of nursery décor. Some cribs are crafted from wood as well as others made from metal or painted steel. Some brands are committed to sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful chemicals do not leach into the environment.
It takes some research and thought to choose the most suitable convertible crib for you nursery. However, it is an investment that will last for many years to come. Take your time when evaluating your options, and be sure to evaluate prices, delivery and the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the right choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a massive piece of furniture that can make a significant impact on the look and feel of the nursery of your baby. Because of that, choosing one that matches your preference in style or that will work well with the other decor elements in your room will make a big impact on how you feel about the nursery as you are there.
Similar to cribs that are designed to transform into daybeds for toddlers or toddlers can be used as your child grows, giving you value over the long term. They are also less expensive than full-size bed and can be lent or sold to a family member after your child is no longer in need.
Convertible cribs can be easily maintained, as most components can be removed and cleaned, and many have a conversion kit that makes it easy to convert them into the right size bed for your child. Wood cribs are incredibly sturdy and can withstand demands of daily use, with some even lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options which makes them easier to move when changing sheets or adjusting mattress height. They can wear out faster and need replacement sooner than innerspring mattress.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning through toddlerhood, with a side that's softer for infants and a more firm side for toddlers. They are typically safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable to older children who don't like the sagging feeling of foam. They're typically more affordable than innerspring alternatives.