Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide a dedicated sleeping space for infants to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular sleep routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
Whether you go for a modern design or a traditional style, be sure to check if it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure it satisfies the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Also, consider other features to find the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent your baby's safety is of paramount importance. You want your child to sleep soundly in a safe and secure space 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) strict standards.
There are a variety of things to consider in a mattress, such as slat spacing which is no wider 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 without wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. Beware of any bells or whistles, such as bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Choose a crib painted with low-VOC paints, a safer alternative to traditional glues and varnishes that release harmful chemicals into the air. In addition, you should search for a mattress that is made using non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Lastly, choose a crib free of ornaments and cutouts, which could be a risk of injury if your baby grabs them or gets their fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is secure and securely fit to the frame of the crib and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress and the frame. Avoid placing blankets, pillows or sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed animals in the crib. These could increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also be risky, since they can be pulled down on the baby and cause them to suffocate. It is recommended to choose a mesh crib mobile that is breathable rather than mobiles. This is better for the health of your baby and lets you supervise them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most important things your baby will need is a safe place to sleep. Cribs offer a comfortable place for your little one to rest, which will be especially useful when you're juggling other household chores or activities.
You'll likely find cribs at your local home goods store or nursery. These types of establishments must adhere to strict guidelines that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are usually the best place to start your search for a top quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are a few considerations you'll need to make before purchasing.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for toddlers, infants and newborns that will last well beyond the initial months of life. Many models feature convertible features that let you convert them into toddler beds or full-size beds, which can reduce your costs and prolong the lifespan of your crib purchase.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models include a changing table, which is beneficial if your nursery is small in size.
Travel cribs are also light and foldable, making them easy to carry around. They're an excellent choice for traveling with your baby or visiting family and friends since they can be easily packed and taken away. However, the lightweight construction of cribs for travel can lead to less sturdy construction than standard models, which may be an issue for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can stand out in a room choose a crib with unique styling. You can find one that features a sleek, minimalist design or one that is constructed of a material such as bamboo or glass and has clear sides for a better accessibility. They tend to be more expensive than their solid wood counterparts, but they can add an attractive accent to any nursery.
Other cribs have traditional designs with graceful curves and moldings, as well as an appearance that reminds of heirloom pieces. They can be extremely elaborate, and are usually made by hand with exquisite details. These are excellent options for a crib that will become an integral piece of family furniture over time and can be paired with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular design. It is characterized by smooth, straight lines with the light, bare-wood finish. This lets the natural beauty the wood to be seen. They're an excellent fit for modern or contemporary nursery, and you can paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
They can also serve as a changing table, making it easier to change your child. This is especially important for infants who are young and may have trouble sitting up. These cribs come with drawers to store wipes, diapers and other necessities.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as an umbrella. These can add a touch elegant to any nursery and keep your baby comfortable and cool as they sleep. Be sure to use fabrics that aren't too long and is firmly attached to your crib. This will ensure your child can't reach out and grasp the fabric and pull 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 allows you to save money as you do not have to buy four beds as your child grows and it also helps to save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with conversion kits that store easily, making them simple to put together and use at any time.
Another important thing to consider while shopping for a crib is that many cribs have additional features, such as drawers or adjustable mattress heights. This will allow you to customize the look and function of your crib. It can be particularly useful when you have the smallest or most limited amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels that are extremely useful if you want to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs typically are made from sturdy non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models have a classic or contemporary design that will suit the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, while others could be constructed of stainless steel or painted metal. Some brands are committed sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful chemicals are not absorbed into the environment.
It will require some time and effort to select the ideal convertible crib for your nursery. However, it is one that will last for years. Take your time when evaluating your options and be sure to compare prices, delivery and the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a large piece of furniture that can have a significant impact on the design and feel of the nursery of your baby. cheap cots is why choosing one that is in line with your preferred style or that will work well with the other decor elements in your room will make a big difference in how you feel about the nursery when you are there.
As your child grows older cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds are still useful and provide you with an advantage over time. They're also generally less costly than full-size beds, and are able to be sold or given to a friend when your child no more requires them.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain, as the majority of the components can be removed and cleaned, and most have an adapter kit that makes it easier to turn them into the appropriate size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand a lot of use and are sturdy. Some even last multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and are more maneuverable when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress's height. However, they may get worn out faster and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning through toddlerhood, with one side that is softer for infants and a firmer side for toddlers. They are typically safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older children who don't want the sagging sensation of foam. They are usually cheaper than innerspring alternatives.