Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer a designated sleeping area for infants to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, including bassinets.
Whether you go for a modern design or a traditional style, be sure to verify that it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure it satisfies the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. Take into consideration other aspects when choosing the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, the safety of your child is your top concern. You want your baby to sleep soundly in a safe environment that is free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. Select a crib that is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacings less than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's legs, arms, or head from being stuck; an appropriate mattress that is well-made and comfortable; no drop sides; a stable crib with no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. You should also avoid bells and whistles, such as bumper streamers or pads, which can present a strangulation risk for your baby.
Choose a crib that is painted with low-VOC paint that is a safer choice to traditional varnishes and glues that release harmful chemicals into the air. Look for mattresses made from organic foam and cotton.
Also, select a crib that is devoid of ornaments and cutouts, which could cause injury when your child grabs them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. Make sure that the mattress cover fits tightly to the crib frame and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame. Avoid putting blankets, pillows, sheepskins, or pillows that resemble stuffed animals in the crib. They can increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also be risky, since they could fall down on the baby and cause them to suffocate. It is recommended to avoid the use of mobiles completely and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This will be better for your baby's health and will let you monitor your child as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most important things your baby needs is a safe place to sleep. Cribs are a great place for your baby's sleep especially when you are engaged in other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs at your local home goods store or nursery. These types of establishments have to follow 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. You'll have to consider a variety of aspects prior to purchasing the crib.
Cribs are a great option for newborns, infants and toddlers, offering an incredibly comfortable bed that will last well beyond the first few years of existence. Many cribs have convertible features, allowing you to convert the crib into the size of a toddler bed or full-size bed. This can save you money on your purchase and extend its life.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their compact footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some models also come with an area for changing which is a great option when you have a small space in your nursery.
Travel cribs offer a similar level of comfort, since they're designed to be lightweight and foldable to make it easy to transport. They're an excellent choice for taking your baby on a trip 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 cribs and could pose a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Choose a crib with distinctive design if want it to stand out. There are cribs with an elegant, minimalist design or constructed from something like glass or bamboo. It may also have clear sides to allow for easy viewing. They are usually more expensive than solid wood versions however they can be a beautiful accent to any nursery.
online cots have a more traditional design with beautiful curves and moldings. They also have a look that is reminiscent of antique pieces. They can be very extravagant, and are generally handmade with beautiful details. These are great options for an item that will be a favorite piece of family furniture over time and work with any theme.
Another style that is popular is a Scandinavian-style crib that has straight lines that are smooth and a light, naked wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are perfect for modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave them unfinished to match your decor.
Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table can make it much easier to change your baby, particularly when they're younger and struggle to sit up on their own. These cribs have drawers that can be used to store wipes, diapers and other necessities.
tots and cots have curving sides or designs that can be used as a canopy. These can add a touch elegant to any nursery and help keep your baby comfy and cool while they sleep. Make sure you use a fabrics that aren't 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 converts into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size bed is an excellent investment for any family. This feature allows you to save money as you do not have to purchase four separate beds as your child gets older, and also saves space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs also come with conversion kits that store easily, making them simple to assemble and use at any time.
Another aspect to be aware of when shopping for cribs is that a lot of cribs come with additional features, like adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This lets you customize the appearance and function of your crib. It's especially beneficial in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels, which can be incredibly useful when you need to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made with durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and meet the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature a classic or contemporary design that will suit the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are crafted from wood and others are made from metal or painted steel. Some brands are committed to sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins do not leach into the environment.
Selecting online cots for your baby requires 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 make sure you compare prices, delivery and setup times and other factors to make the best decision for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery, and it has a big impact on the overall appearance and feel of the space. Therefore, selecting one that matches your preferred style or fits well with the rest of your room decor will make a big difference in how you feel about the nursery when you are there.
As your child ages, cribs designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds are still useful providing you with a long-term benefit. They are also less costly than a traditional beds and can be donated or sold to a family member when your child no longer has need.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain, since most of the components can be cleaned and removed, and most come with an conversion kit that makes it easier to turn them into the appropriate size bed for your child. Wood cribs are incredibly sturdy and can withstand demands of daily use, with some lasting through several children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options and are therefore easier to move around when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress's height. They can wear out faster and need to be replaced 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 the infants while the other is firmer for toddlers. They are usually more secure than foam mattresses, and may be more comfortable for older babies who don't like the sagging feel of foam. These mattresses are often more affordable than innerspring alternatives.