Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer a designated baby's sleeping space to reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also provide more flexibility than other options such as bassinets.
If you choose a modern design or a traditional style, be sure to check if it's GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to toxic chemicals. Consider other features when choosing the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As parents to a child, the safety of your baby is your top concern. You want your child to rest peacefully in a secure environment and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. It is crucial to select a crib that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards.
This includes slat spacing that is less than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from becoming trapped and an appropriate mattress that is comfortable and firm with no drop sides; a stable crib that has no wobbling parts and clear assembly instructions. Avoid using any bells or whistles like bumper pads and streamers that could strangle your baby.
Choose a crib that is painted with low-VOC paints, a safer alternative to glues and varnishes that release harmful chemicals into the air. Also, search for a mattress that is made of non-toxic materials such as cotton and organic foam.
Select a crib that does not have ornaments 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 securely fit to the frame of the crib, and that there are no gaps between the frame and the mattress. You should also avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts and sheepskins, as well as pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib, as these can increase the risk of 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 choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is more beneficial for your baby's health and allow you to monitor your child as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most essential things your baby needs is a safe place to sleep. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby to sleep especially when you are busy with other household chores.
You'll probably find cribs at your local home goods store or nursery. These types of establishments have to comply with strict regulations established 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 a few considerations you'll need to make before making your purchase.
Cribs are a fantastic option for newborns, infants and toddlers, offering an incredibly comfortable bed that lasts well beyond their first few years of life. Many models feature convertible features that let you transform cribs into toddler beds or full-size beds, which can save you money and extend the life of your crib purchase.
The compact size of cribs makes them ideal for small spaces like apartments or lofts. Some cribs also have a changing station that can be helpful when you have a small space in your nursery.
Travel cribs provide a similar level of convenience, as they're designed to be lightweight and foldable for easy transport. They are a great choice to travel with your baby or visiting family and friends since they can be easily packed up before you leave. However, the lightweight construction of travel cribs can also result in less robust construction than standard models, which may be a concern for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that will make a statement in a room Look for a crib with a unique style. You may find one that features a sleek, minimalist design or one made of a material such as bamboo or glass and features clear sides for easy visibility. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can be a beautiful accent piece for any nursery.
Other cribs offer an older-fashioned style with beautiful curves and molding, which is reminiscent of furniture from the past. They can also be elaborate and are typically handcrafted with gorgeous details. They are an excellent choice if you're looking for the perfect crib that will be a family heirloom over time. They can also be paired with any design.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian-style crib that has sleek straight lines and a light, bare wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. They're an excellent fit for any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
These cribs can also be used as a changing table, making it easier to change your child. This is especially important for infants who are young and have difficulty sitting up. These cribs have drawers that can be used for storing wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs are curved or have designs on the side which can be used to create an illusion of a canopy. These can add a touch elegance to any nursery and help keep your baby comfy and cool during their sleep. Make sure to choose a fabrics that are not too long and that is tightly anchored to your crib. This will stop your child from reaching out to grab the fabric or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, an adult daybed or a large bed is a great option for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds during your child's growth and will also free up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs are equipped with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to utilize them as required.
Another important thing to consider when you're looking for cribs is that a lot of cribs come with additional features, like adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This lets you customize your crib's look and functionality. It is especially useful in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs are equipped with 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 using durable non-toxic, non-toxic materials which are safe for your baby and comply with the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature modern or classic designs that can be adapted to the various styles of nursery decor. 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 made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This assures that harmful toxins are not released into the environment.
It will require some time and research to choose the best convertible crib for your nursery. But, it's one that will last for many years to come. Consider your options carefully, and be sure to look at prices, delivery costs, the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the right choice for your family.
5. Cot Bed is a huge piece of furniture that will have a major impact on the design and feel of the nursery of your baby. Because of that, choosing one that is in line with your preferred style or fits well with the other decor elements in your room can make a huge difference in how you feel about the nursery as you spend time there.
As your child grows older cribs that can be converted into daybeds or toddler beds can be used for a long time providing you with a long-term benefit. They are also typically less expensive than full-size beds, and can be sold or given to a relative when your child no more requires them.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain since the majority of the parts can be cleaned and removed and many come with a conversion kit that makes it easy to turn them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs are incredibly robust and can withstand the rigors of frequent use, with some lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or altering the mattress's height. They may wear out faster and need to be replaced earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning of toddlerhood, with a side that's softer for infants and a more firm side for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses and are more comfortable for older infants who dislike the sagging sensation of foam. These mattresses are also often more affordable than innerspring options.