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 helps to establish a consistent routine of sleeping. Cribs also offer more flexibility than other options such as bassinets.
If you opt for a modern style or a more traditional style Make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure it is in compliance with the highest safety standards and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Be aware of other aspects when selecting the crib that is suitable for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent you are responsible for the safety of your child is of paramount importance. You want your baby to sleep soundly in a secure environment and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacing no wider than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's head, arms or legs from becoming stuck and an appropriate mattress that is comfortable and firm; no drop sides; a sturdy crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear assembly instructions. Avoid bells and whistles, like bumper pads or streamers, which can present a strangulation risk for your baby.
Choose a crib that is coated with low-VOC paints, a safer alternative to glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. In addition, you should consider a mattress constructed of non-toxic materials like organic cotton and foam.
Select a crib that does not have decorative ornaments or cutouts. top ranked cribs could cause injuries when your child grabs them or gets their fingers stuck in them. Check that the mattress cover is tightly fitted to the frame of the crib and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. 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 SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a danger, since they could be pulled down onto the baby, causing suffocation. You should opt for a mesh crib mobile that is breathable instead of a mobile. This is better for the health of your baby and allows you to monitor them 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 especially useful when you're busy tending to other household chores or activities.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. These establishments must abide by strict guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal place to begin your search for a high-quality crib. If you're looking to purchase a crib for your home, there are a few considerations you'll need to make before making your purchase.
Cribs are a great option for infants, newborns and toddlers, providing an inviting sleeping space that lasts well beyond their initial years of life. A lot of cribs are convertible, allowing you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This will save you money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their compact footprint, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces such as lofts or apartments. Some models also come with an area for changing which is a great option when you have a small space in your nursery.
Travel cribs offer a similar level of convenience, as 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 visiting friends and family, as you can easily put the crib away within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. However, the light construction of cribs for travel can lead to less sturdy construction than standard models, which may be a concern for some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with a unique design if you want it to stand out. You can find a crib with a minimalist, sleek design or constructed from a material such as glass or bamboo. It could also have transparent sides for easy viewing. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can be a beautiful centerpiece in any nursery.
Other cribs have an older style with beautiful curves, moldings and an appearance that reminds of heirloom pieces. They can also be quite elaborate and are typically handcrafted with beautiful details. These are excellent options if you want a crib that will become a favorite piece of furniture in the course of time and will work well with any style.
Another style that is popular is a Scandinavian-style crib that has sleek straight lines and a light, naked wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. They're an excellent fit to any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can paint them or leave them unpainted to complement your decor.
Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table can help you change your baby, particularly when they're young and struggle to sit up on their own. These models have drawers to store wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the sides that can be used to create an effect of canopy. These can bring a touch of class to any nursery and are a great method to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. Be sure, however, that the fabric you choose to use isn't too long, or is securely fixed to the 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's crib, a daybed, or a full-size bed can be extremely useful for any family. This feature allows you to save money by not having to buy four separate beds as your child grows and also saves space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs are equipped with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to utilize them as needed.
Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a crib is that many cribs have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This will allow you to alter the look and functionality of your crib, and could be especially useful in the case of a small or limited amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs even have wheels which can be extremely useful if you have to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made using durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature a classic or contemporary design that will suit a variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, whereas others can be constructed from stainless steel or painted metal. Certain brands are committed to sustainability, offering eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This assures that harmful toxins do not leach into the surrounding environment.
It will require some time and effort to select the ideal convertible crib for you nursery. But, it's an investment that will last for many years to come. Be sure to consider your options carefully and make sure you look at prices, delivery costs, time to set up, among other things to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the most important piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby and can have a significant impact on the overall design and feel of the room. Therefore, selecting one that matches your preference in style or that will work well with the rest of your room decor can make a significant impact on how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
As your child grows older cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or daybeds can be used for a long time, 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 of.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain, as the majority of the parts are easily removed and cleaned and the majority have an conversion kit that makes it easy to transform them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are robust. Some even last multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or altering the mattress's height. However, they can wear out more quickly and need replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual-firm or two-stage mattresses are made to be used by babies and toddlers. One side is gentler for infants, while the other side is firmer for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older children who aren't a fan of the sagging feeling of foam. They are also typically cheaper than innerspring ones.