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 encourages a regular routine of sleeping. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
If you choose modern or traditional one, make sure to check if it's GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and reduces exposures to toxic chemicals. Then consider other features to determine the perfect crib for your family.
1. Safety
As parents you are responsible for the safety of your baby is a top priority. You want your child to sleep soundly in a safe environment that is free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. Pick a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
There are a variety of things to consider such as slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inch so your baby's legs and arms do not get caught. Also best rated cribs that is a firm and snug fit with no drop sides; sturdy cribs that aren't wobbling and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid bells and whistles, like bumper pads or streamers, which could pose a strangulation risk for your baby.
Choose a crib that is painted with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to traditional varnishes and glues which release harmful chemicals into the air. Find mattresses made of non-toxic materials like organic foam and cotton.
Lastly, choose a crib that is devoid of ornaments and cutouts, which could be a risk of injury when your child grabs them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. Check that the mattress cover fits tightly to the crib frame and that there aren't any 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 because they can increase the risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also be a risk, since they could be pushed down on the baby, causing the baby to suffocate. You should choose a crib mattress made of mesh that is breathable instead of mobiles. This will be better for your baby's health as well as let you keep an eye on your baby while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most important things your baby needs is an area that is safe to sleep in. Cribs are an excellent place for your baby to rest particularly when you are engaged in other household chores.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or at the home goods store. These establishments must adhere to strict regulations set out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal place to start your search for a top-quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are several considerations you'll need to make before purchasing.
Cribs are an excellent choice for infants, newborns and toddlers, offering an inviting sleeping space that lasts well beyond their first few years of existence. Many cribs have convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into an infant bed or a full-sized bed. Full Statement can save you money on your purchase and extend the life of your crib.
The small size of cribs makes them ideal for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some cribs also have a changing station that is a great option when you have a small space in your nursery.
Travel cribs are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to transport. This makes them an ideal choice when traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family because you can easily pack up the crib in just a few minutes prior to leaving. The crib's lightweight construction could result in a less durable crib than the standard ones. This might be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with distinctive design if want it to stand out. There are cribs with sleek, minimalist style or made of a material such as bamboo or glass. It could also have clear sides that allow for easy viewing. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however they can be a stunning accent piece for any nursery.
Other cribs have a more traditional design with elegant curves, moldings and an appearance that reminds of heirloom pieces. They can be very extravagant, and are typically handcrafted with beautiful details. These are great options for an item that will be a favorite piece of furniture in the course of time and can be paired with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular design. It has smooth, straight lines with a light, bare-wood finish. This lets the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. These cribs are great for a modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave them unfinished to match your decor.
Cribs that can serve as a combination of a changing table could make it easier to change your baby, especially when they're younger and aren't able to sit on their own. These models have drawers to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as a canopy. These can add a touch elegance to any nursery and help keep your baby comfy and cool as they sleep. But, make sure that the fabric you choose 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 lets you save money as you do not have to buy four 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 make use of them whenever needed.
When shopping for a new crib, keep in mind that a lot of cribs come with additional features such as adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This lets you customize the appearance and function of your crib. It is especially useful in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels, which are extremely useful when you need to move the bed around for cleaning or for any other reason.
Convertible cribs are generally made of durable, non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have an elegant or contemporary design that can suit a wide selection of nursery décor. Some cribs are made of wood, whereas others can be constructed from stainless steel painted or metal. Certain brands are even committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins leak into the environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your child will take some thought and research, but it is an important decision that can last for a long time. Consider your options and compare the prices and delivery times as well as other aspects before making a decision.
5. Value
The crib is a massive piece of furniture that will make a significant impact on the appearance and feel of the nursery of your baby. It is essential to choose the crib that is in line with your style or will go well with your room decor. This will make a huge difference in the way you feel about your nursery.
Similar to cribs that are designed to transform into daybeds for toddlers or toddlers can be used as your child grows, providing you long-term value. They are also less expensive than a traditional bed and can be given or sold to a family member after your child is no longer in need.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, since most of the parts can be removed and cleaned, and most come with an conversion kit that makes it easy to turn them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs are extremely sturdy and can withstand rigors of frequent use, with some lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options which makes them easier to move around when changing sheets or adjusting mattress height. They are more likely to wear out and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattress.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning through toddlerhood, with the soft side for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. They are typically safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older babies who don't like the sagging feeling of foam. They're typically more affordable than innerspring alternatives.