Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide infants with an exclusive sleeping space to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promotes a consistent sleeping routine. Cribs also offer more flexibility than other options such as bassinets.
If you choose modern or traditional style, be sure to verify that it is GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. Consider other options to choose the perfect crib for your family.
1. Safety
As parents to a child, the safety of your child is a top priority. You want your child to sleep soundly in a secure environment that is free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. It is essential to select a crib that is in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards.
There are numerous things to look for, including slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inches to ensure your baby's legs and arms aren't entangled. Also a mattress that is an incredibly firm and comfortable fit and no drop sides stable cribs with no wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. Beware of any bells or whistles like bumper pads and streamers which can strangle your baby.
Look for cribs with low-VOC varnish, which is an alternative to traditional varnishes or glues which release harmful chemicals. Look for mattresses made from non-toxic materials such as organic foam and cotton.
Choose a crib without any decorative ornaments or cutouts. These can cause injury should your child pick them up 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 frame and the mattress. Avoid putting pillows, blankets, sheepskins, or pillow-like stuffed animals in the crib. These can increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles are also a potential risk, since they could be pulled down onto the baby, causing the baby to suffocate. You should opt for an infant crib with a mesh structure that is breathable instead of mobiles. This is better for the health of your baby and allows you to supervise them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure place for your baby's sleep is one of the most important things you'll require. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby's sleep, especially when you are busy with other household chores.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. These establishments must adhere to strict regulations set out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal place to begin your search for a high-quality crib. If you want to buy a crib for your home, there are a few considerations you'll need to make before making your purchase.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping area for toddlers, infants and newborns that last well beyond the initial months of life. Many cribs come with convertible features, allowing you to convert the crib into an infant bed or a full-size bed. This will save you money and extend its life.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models also include a changing station that could be useful if you have limited room in your nursery.
Travel cribs offer a similar degree of convenience, since they're designed to be light and foldable to make it easy to transport. This makes them a great choice when traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family, as you can easily put the crib away in just a few minutes prior to leaving. The crib's lightweight construction could make for a less sturdy crib than the standard ones. This might be a cause of concern for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that will stand out in a space choose a crib that has a distinctive style. There are cribs with an elegant, minimalist design or constructed from materials like bamboo or glass. It may also have clear sides that allow for easy observation. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives but can be a beautiful accent piece for any nursery.
Other cribs have an older style with graceful curves, moldings and the look of antique pieces. They can be very elaborate, and are usually made by hand with exquisite details. They are a great option when you're looking for a crib that can become a family heirloom over time. They can also go well with any design.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular style. It has straight, smooth lines and the light, bare-wood finish. This lets the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. These cribs are perfect for 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 make it easier to change your baby, especially when they're younger and have trouble sitting up on their own. These models typically have drawers beneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as an umbrella. They can add a touch of elegance to any nursery, and help keep your baby comfy and cool as they sleep. Be sure, however, that the fabric you choose to use is not too long or that it is securely attached to the crib. This will stop your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed a daybed or a full-size bed can be incredibly useful for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds during your child's growth and also save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to make use of them whenever required.
When you are looking for a new crib, keep in mind that most cribs come with additional features like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This allows you to customize the look and functionality of your crib. It's especially beneficial if your nursery has limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels, which can be extremely helpful in case you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made from sturdy non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the rigorous safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have an elegant or contemporary design that will suit different styles of nursery décor. Some cribs are made of wood and others are made from steel or painted. Some brands are committed sustainability, 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 research to choose the best convertible crib for your nursery. But, it's an investment that will last for years to come. Take your time when evaluating your options and make sure you look at prices, delivery costs, time to set up, among other things to make the right choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby and has a major impact on the overall appearance and feel of the room. Because of that, choosing one that matches your preference in style or that will work well with the rest of your room's decor can make a huge difference in how you feel about the nursery when you are there.
As your child gets older cribs that are designed to convert into toddler beds or daybeds are still useful and provide you with an advantage over time. They are also less costly than a traditional beds and can be donated or sold to a relative once your child no longer has need of.
Convertible cribs can be easily maintained since the majority of parts can be removed, cleaned, and many come with a conversion set that allows you to transform them into the ideal size bed for your child. top ranked cribs are incredibly robust and can withstand the stress of regular use, with some lasting through several children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and can be more maneuverable when changing sheets or altering the mattress height. However, they can be more worn out and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning to toddlerhood, having one side that is softer for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. They are typically more secure than foam mattresses and may be more comfortable for older children who don't want the sagging sensation of foam. These mattresses are often cheaper than innerspring alternatives.