Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated sleeping space for infants to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also offer more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
If you opt for a modern design or a more traditional style ensure that it's GreenGuard Gold certified to ensure that it adheres to the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Also, consider other features to determine the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, the safety of your child is of paramount importance. You want your baby to rest peacefully in a safe and secure space, free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. Pick 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 legs, arms, or head from getting stuck; an appropriate mattress that is well-made and comfortable without drop sides; a solid crib with no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. Avoid any bells and whistles such as bumper pads and streamers which can strangle your baby.
Look for cribs with low-VOC, a safer option than traditional glues or varnishes that release harmful chemicals. Choose mattresses made of non-toxic materials such as organic foam and cotton.
Finally, pick a crib that is devoid of ornaments and cutouts, which can be a risk of injury if your baby grabs them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is securely fitted to the crib frame and that there aren't gaps between the frame and the mattress. Avoid putting pillows, blankets, sheepskins, or similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. These can increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles are also risky, since they could be pulled towards the baby and cause them to collapse. You should opt for a crib mattress made of mesh that is breathable rather than mobiles. This is more beneficial for your baby's health and allow you to keep an eye on your child while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A safe place for your baby to sleep is among the most important things you'll need. Cribs offer a comfortable place for your little one to rest, which will be particularly helpful when you're busy with other household chores or activities.
You'll likely find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These types of establishments have to comply with strict regulations set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are typically the best place to begin your search for a quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are a few factors to take into consideration prior to purchasing.
Cribs are an excellent choice for newborns, infants and toddlers, offering an incredibly comfortable bed that lasts well beyond the first few years of existence. Many cribs have convertible features that let you convert them into toddler beds or full size beds, which can reduce your costs and prolong the life of your crib purchase.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their small footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models include an adjustable table, which can be useful if your nursery is limited in space.
Travel cribs are also light and foldable, making them simple to move. They're an excellent choice for taking your baby on a trip or visiting friends and family because they can be easily packed into a suitcase before you leave. However, the lightweight design of travel cribs can also lead to less sturdy construction than standard cribs, which may be an issue for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can stand out in a room, look for a model with unique styling. It could be one that features a sleek, minimalist design or one made of a material like glass or bamboo and has clear sides for easy access. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives, but can be a beautiful focal piece in any nursery.
Some cribs feature an older style with beautiful curves, moldings and the look of heirloom pieces. They can also be quite intricate and are often handcrafted with gorgeous details. These are excellent options when you're looking for an infant crib that will become an important family heirloom in the future. They can also go well with any design.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular style. It is characterized by straight lines that are smooth and straight with an ethereal, bare-wood look. This lets the natural beauty the wood to shine through. They're great to any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
These cribs can be used as a changing table making it easier to change your baby. This is particularly true for infants who are young and have trouble sitting up. They typically come with drawers underneath to store wipes, diapers and other necessities.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the sides which can be used to create a canopy effect. They can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are a great option to keep your baby cool and comfortable while they sleep. Be sure to use 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 converts into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size beds is a great investment for any family. This feature allows you to save money as you do not have to buy four beds as your child gets older, and also frees up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with conversion kits that can be stored easily, making them simple to assemble and use when the time comes.
Another aspect to be aware of while shopping for cribs is that a lot of models have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This allows you to alter the look and functionality of your crib, and could be especially useful when you have the smallest or most limited storage space in your nursery. Some cribs come with wheels that can be very helpful when you need to move the bed for cleaning or for any other reason.
Convertible cribs are generally made from sturdy, non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have modern or classic designs that will suit a variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed from wood and others are made from steel or painted. Some brands are committed to sustainability, offering eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful chemicals are not released into the environment.
It will take some research and thought to choose the best convertible crib for your nursery. However, it is a decision that will last for many years. Consider your options and compare prices and delivery times as well as other factors before making a decision.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and has a big impact on the overall appearance and feel of the room. It is important to choose a crib that fits your style and will work well with your room decor. This can make a significant difference in how you feel about your nursery.
As your child grows older cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds can be used for a long time and provide you with a long-term benefit. They're also generally less expensive than full-size beds, and can be sold or given to a friend when your child no more requires them.
mini cot beds are also easily maintained since the majority of parts can be removed, cleaned, and many have a conversion kit which makes it simple to transform them into the ideal size bed for your child. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are durable. Some can even last for many children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options, making them easier to move around when changing sheets or adjusting mattress height. They are more likely to wear out and need replacement sooner than innerspring mattress.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual firm or two-stage mattresses, are designed to be used by babies and toddlers. One side is soft for infants while the other side is more firm for toddlers. They are generally more secure than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older children who don't like the sagging sensation of foam. They are usually cheaper than innerspring mattresses.