Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide infants with a dedicated sleep space to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and encourages a regular routine of sleeping. Cribs also provide more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
Whether you go for modern or traditional style, be sure to check if it's GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it satisfies the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Then consider other features to determine the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As parents, the safety of your baby is your top concern. You want your child to sleep peacefully in a secure environment, free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacings less than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from being trapped in the mattress; a mattress that is firm and snug-fitting with no drop sides; a solid crib with no wobbling parts and clear assembly instructions. You should also avoid bells and whistles, for example bumper streamers or pads, which could cause strangulation for your baby.
Find a crib that is painted with low-VOC paints, a safer alternative to glues and varnishes that release harmful chemicals into the air. Look for mattresses made from organic foam and cotton.
Select a crib that does not have ornaments or cutouts. They could cause injuries if your child grabs them or gets their fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is secure and tightly fitted to the crib frame, and that there aren't gaps between the frame and the mattress. You should also avoid putting pillows, quilts, comforters and sheepskins, as well as pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib, since they could increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a hazard, as they can be pulled down onto the baby, causing the baby to suffocate. Ideally, you should avoid a mobile completely and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is healthier for the health of your baby and allows you to monitor them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure place for your baby to rest is among the most important things you'll need. Cribs are an excellent place for your baby's sleep particularly when you are working on other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs in your local home goods store or nursery. They must follow strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best location to start your search for a high-quality crib. You'll have be aware of a number of aspects prior to purchasing a crib.
Cribs are an excellent choice for newborns, infants and toddlers, offering an incredibly comfortable bed that will last for the first few years of life. Many cribs have convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This will save you money on your purchase and extend the life of your crib.
Another benefit of cribs is their small footprint which makes them ideal for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some models include an adjustable table, which can be useful if your nursery is small in size.
They are also lightweight and foldable, making them simple to carry around. They're an excellent choice for traveling with your baby or visiting relatives and friends because they can be easily packed and taken away. The lightweight construction can also make for a less sturdy crib than traditional models. This might be a concern to some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with an original design if you want it to stand out. crib sets can find one that features a sleek, minimalist design or one that is made of a material such as bamboo or glass, and has clear sides for a better visibility. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however they can be a stunning focal piece in any nursery.
Some cribs feature an older style with elegant curves and moldings, as well as a look that is reminiscent of antique pieces. They can also be intricate and are often handcrafted with beautiful details. These are excellent options if you're looking for an infant crib that will become an important family heirloom in the future. They also work well with any style.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian-style crib with smooth straight lines and a light, unfinished wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are perfect for an modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood bare to match your decor.
Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table can make it much easier to change your baby, especially when they're young and have trouble sitting up on their own. These cribs come with drawers to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs have curved sides or designs that can be used as a canopy. They can add a touch of elegant to any nursery and keep your baby comfortable and cool during their sleep. Make sure to choose a fabrics that aren't too long and is tightly anchored to your crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can convert into a toddler's bed an adult daybed or a large bed is a great option for any family. This feature can save you money purchasing four separate beds during the development of your child and will also free up space in the nursery. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that store easily, making them simple to assemble and use when the time comes.
When looking for a brand crib for your child, bear in mind that a lot of cribs include additional features such as adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This lets you customize the look and function of your crib, and can be particularly beneficial if you're working with the smallest or most small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs are equipped with wheels, which can be incredibly useful if you have to move the bed around to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs are usually constructed with durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have an elegant or contemporary design that can be adapted to the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are crafted from wood and others are made from steel or painted. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which ensures that no harmful toxins leak into the environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your baby will require some time and effort, but it is an important decision that can last for a long time. Be sure to consider your options carefully and be sure to evaluate prices, delivery and time to set up, among other things to make the right choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the biggest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby and has a major impact on the overall design and feel of the room. This is why choosing one that is in line with your preferred style or one that works well with the rest of your room's decor will make a big impact on how you feel about the nursery as you are there.
Similarly, cribs that are designed to transform into toddler beds or daybeds extend their utility as your child grows, providing you value over the long term. They're also generally less expensive than larger beds and can be sold or given to a relative when your child no longer requires them.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain, as the majority of the parts are easily removed and cleaned and many have an conversion kit that makes it easier to transform them into the right size bed for your child. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are robust. Some even last several children.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring mattresses, making them easier to move around when changing sheets or altering mattress height. They may wear out faster and need replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning to toddlerhood, having the soft side for infants and a more firm side for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older children who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They are usually cheaper than innerspring alternatives.