Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer infants an area for sleeping that is specifically designed to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and encourages a regular sleeping routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, like bassinets.
If you choose modern or traditional one, make certain to confirm that it's GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposures to toxic chemicals. Take into consideration other aspects when choosing the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent your baby's safety is of paramount importance. You want your child to sleep at ease in a space free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. Select a crib that is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
There are many things to consider, including slat spacing that is not more than 2 3/8 inches to ensure your baby's legs or arms aren't entangled. Also, a mattress with an incredibly firm and comfortable fit and no drop sides stable cribs with no wobbling parts and detailed instructions on assembly. You should also avoid bells and whistles, such as bumper pads or streamers, which could cause strangulation for your baby.
Look for cribs with low-VOC varnish, which is an alternative in comparison to conventional glues or varnishes which emit harmful chemicals. Look for mattresses made from non-toxic materials such as organic foam and cotton.
Finally, pick a crib that is free of ornaments and cutouts that could pose injury risks if your baby grasps them or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure that the mattress cover fits tightly to the frame of the crib, and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Also, you should avoid putting 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 be a hazard, as they can be pushed down on the baby, causing the baby to suffocate. In the ideal scenario, you should stay clear of using a mobile at all costs and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for the health of your baby and allows you to watch over them while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A safe place for your baby to rest is one of the most important things you'll require. Cribs are a great place for your baby to rest particularly when you are busy with other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These kinds of establishments must comply with strict regulations that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are generally the best place to start your search for a quality crib. You'll need be aware of a number of aspects prior to purchasing the crib.
Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping space for toddlers, infants and babies that last beyond their first few months of life. Many cribs come with convertible features that let you transform cribs into toddler beds or full-size beds, which can reduce your costs and prolong the lifespan of your crib purchase.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their compact footprint, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces such as lofts or apartments. Some models include a changing table, which is useful if your nursery space is limited in space.
Travel cribs provide a similar degree of convenience, since they're designed to be light and easily foldable for transport. This makes them an excellent choice when traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family since you can put the crib away in a few minutes before leaving. However, the light construction of travel cribs may lead to less sturdy construction than standard cribs, which may be a concern for some parents.
3. Style
Choose a crib with a unique design if you want it to stand out. There are cribs with an elegant, minimalist design or constructed from something like glass or bamboo. It could also have clear sides to allow for easy access to. They are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can make an appealing accent to any nursery.
Some cribs feature an older style with graceful curves and moldings, as well as an appearance that reminds of antique pieces. They can also be quite elaborate and are typically handcrafted with gorgeous details. These are excellent options for a crib that can become a beloved piece of family furniture over time and can be paired with any theme.
such a good point is another popular design. It features straight lines that are smooth and straight with a light, bare-wood finish. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. These cribs are ideal for a modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood unfinished to fit in with your decor.
Cribs that combine the function of a changing table can help you change your baby, particularly when they're young and have trouble sitting up on their own. They typically have drawers beneath to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs have curving sides or designs that can be used as a canopy. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery, and will keep your baby comfortable and cool while they sleep. Make sure you use a fabrics that are not too long and 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 transforms into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed is a fantastic investment for any family. This feature allows you to save money by not having to buy four separate beds as your child grows, and also frees up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs are equipped with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to make use of them whenever needed.
Another aspect to be aware of when shopping for a crib is that many cribs come with additional features, like adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This lets you modify the appearance and function of your crib, and could be especially useful in the case of only a tiny or limited storage space in your nursery. Some cribs even have wheels that can be incredibly useful when you need to move the bed to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally constructed from durable, non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature modern or classic designs that can fit into the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, whereas others can be constructed from stainless steel painted or metal. Some brands are committed environmental sustainability, and offer eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins do not leach into the surrounding environment.
Choosing the best convertible crib for your child will require some time and effort however it is an important choice that could last for years to come. Take your time when evaluating your options and be sure to evaluate prices, delivery and setup times and other factors to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a large piece of furniture that will make a significant impact on the appearance and feel of the nursery of your baby. It is important to choose the crib that is in line with your style or goes well with your room decor. This will make a huge impact on how you feel about your nursery.
In the same way, cribs designed to transform into daybeds or toddler beds can be used as your child grows, giving you value over the long term. They're also generally less costly than full-size beds and can be sold or given to a friend when your child no longer needs them.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain, as the majority of the parts can be removed and cleaned and many come with an conversion kit that makes it easy to transform them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand a lot of use and are robust. Some even last multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring alternatives, making them easier to move when changing sheets or adjusting mattress height. However, they can wear out more quickly and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning of toddlerhood, with one side that is softer for infants and a more firm side for toddlers. They're generally safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older children who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They are also typically cheaper than innerspring ones.