Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer infants an exclusive sleeping space to decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent sleeping routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, including 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 reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Take into consideration other aspects when choosing the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, your child's safety is a top priority. You want your child to sleep peacefully in an environment free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. It's important to choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) strict standards.
These include slat spacing no wider than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's legs, arms or head from getting caught; mattresses that are firm and snug-fitting with no drop sides; a sturdy crib with no wobbling parts and clear assembly instructions. Also, avoid bells and whistles, such as bumper streams or pads, as they can present a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for cribs with low-VOC paint, which is a safer alternative than traditional glues or varnishes that release harmful chemicals. In addition, you should look for a mattress made using non-toxic materials, such as cotton and organic foam.
Pick a crib with no decorative embellishments or cutouts. These can cause injury when your child grabs them or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure 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 and sheepskins, as well as pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib, as these can increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a danger, as they could fall towards the baby and cause them to choke. Ideally, top ranked cribs should avoid a mobile completely and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for your baby's health as well as allow you to keep an eye on your little one while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most important things your baby will require is an area that is safe to sleep in. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby's sleep especially when you are working on other household chores.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These types of establishments have to adhere to strict guidelines that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are generally the best place to start your search for a top quality crib. If you want to buy a crib for your home, there are many factors to take into consideration before making your purchase.
Cribs provide a comfy sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that will last well beyond the first few months of life. Many cribs come with convertible features, allowing you to convert the crib into the size of a toddler bed or full-sized bed. This will help you save money and extend the life of your crib.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for small spaces such as apartments or lofts. Some cribs come with an adjustable table, which can be beneficial if your nursery is small in size.
Travel cribs offer the same level of convenience, as they're designed to be light and foldable for easy transport. They are a great choice for taking your baby on a trip or visiting family and friends because they are easy to pack and taken away. The lightweight construction can also result in a less sturdy crib than the standard ones. This might be a cause of concern for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can make a statement in a room Look for a crib that has a distinctive style. You may find one that features sleek, minimalist designs or one that is made of a material like bamboo or glass and has clear sides for easy access. These are often more expensive than solid wood versions, but they can add an attractive centerpiece to any nursery.
Other cribs feature traditional designs with elegant curves and moldings, reminiscent of antique furniture. They can also be extravagant and are usually hand-crafted with gorgeous details. These are excellent options if you're looking for a crib that can become an important family heirloom in the future. They can also go well with any style.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian-style crib with sleek straight lines and a light, naked wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. They're a good fit for any modern or contemporary nursery and you can paint them or leave them unpainted to complement your decor.
These cribs can be used as a changing table making it easier to change your child. This is particularly true for infants who are young and may have trouble sitting up. These models have drawers to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs are bent or have designs on the side that can be used to create an effect of canopy. These can add a touch of elegance to any nursery and are a great way to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. But, make sure that any fabric you use is not too long or is securely fixed to the crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size beds is a great investment for any family. This feature will help you save money by not purchasing four separate beds over your child's development and also save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to use them when needed.
Another thing to keep in mind while shopping for a crib is that many cribs come with additional features, like adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This lets you customize your crib's look and functionality. This is particularly useful in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs even have wheels, which can be incredibly helpful if you need to move the bed around to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made of durable non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the rigorous safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have a contemporary or classic design that can suit a wide selection of nursery décor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, whereas others can be constructed from stainless steel or painted metal. Some brands are even committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which ensures that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.
It will require some research and thought to select the ideal convertible crib for you nursery. However, it is an investment that will last for years to come. Look at your options and compare prices, delivery times, and other factors before making a decision.
5. Value
The crib is the most important piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby, and it has a big impact on the overall appearance and feel of the room. Therefore, selecting one that matches your preferred style or fits 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.
As your child ages, cribs designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds will continue to be useful and provide you with an advantage over time. They are also less expensive than a full-size bed and can be given or sold to a family member once your child is no longer in need.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, as the majority of the components are easily removed and cleaned and the majority have a conversion kit that makes it easier to turn them into the right size bed for your child. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are durable. Some can even last for multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or altering the mattress height. However, they may be more worn out and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual-firm or two-stage mattresses are designed to be used for babies and toddlers. One side is soft for the infants while the other is firmer for toddlers. They are generally more secure than foam mattresses, and may be more comfortable to older children who don't want the sagging feel of foam. They are usually cheaper than innerspring alternatives.