Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide a dedicated sleeping area for infants to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, including bassinets.
Whether you choose a contemporary style or a more traditional design Make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure it meets the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Take into consideration other aspects when choosing the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent your baby's safety is of paramount importance. You want your child to rest at ease in a space free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. Select a crib that is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
This includes slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's head, arms or legs from becoming caught and an appropriate mattress that is firm and snug-fitting without drop sides; a sturdy crib that has no wobbling parts and clear assembly instructions. Beware of any bells or whistles such as bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Choose a crib that is painted with low-VOC paints which is a safer alternative to traditional varnishes and glues that release harmful chemicals into the air. In addition, you should look for a mattress made using non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Pick a crib with no decorative embellishments or cutouts. They could cause injuries when your child grabs them, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Also, make sure that the mattress cover is secure and tightly attached to the frame of your crib, and that there are no gaps between the mattress and the frame. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed animals in the crib. They can increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a danger, as they can be pulled towards the baby, causing them to suffocate. Ideally, you should avoid using a mobile at all costs and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is healthier for the health of your baby and lets you watch over them while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most important things your baby will require is a secure place to sleep. Cribs are an excellent 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 abide by strict guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal location to start your search for a quality crib. You'll have to take into consideration several aspects before purchasing a crib.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping area for toddlers, infants and newborns that will last well beyond the initial months of life. Many models feature convertible features that let you transform them into toddler beds or full size beds, which will save you money and extend the lifespan of your crib purchase.
Another advantage of cribs is their small footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces such as lofts or apartments. Some cribs come with an adjustable table, which is useful if your nursery is small in size.
recommended cribs provide a similar level of comfort, since they're designed to be light and foldable to make it easy to transport. This makes them an ideal option when you're traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family since you can take the crib down in just a few minutes prior to leaving. The lightweight construction can also make for a less sturdy crib than traditional models. This may be a concern to some parents.
3. Style
Choose a crib with an original design if you want it to stand out. There are cribs with sleek, minimalist design or constructed from something like bamboo or glass. It could also have transparent sides for easy viewing. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives, but can be a beautiful accent piece for any nursery.
Other cribs feature traditional designs with elegant curves and molding, which is reminiscent of antique furniture. They can be extremely extravagant, and are typically handmade with beautiful details. They are a great option if you want a crib that will become an integral piece of furniture in the course of time and work with any style.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian-style crib that has smooth straight lines and a light, unfinished wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are great for a modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave them unfinished to complement your decor.
They can also serve as a changing table making it easier to change your baby. This is especially true for infants who are young and have trouble sitting up. These cribs come with drawers to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs are curved or have designs on the sides which can be used to create an effect of canopy. These can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are an excellent method to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. Be sure to use fabrics that are not 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 be converted into a toddler's bed an adult daybed or a large bed is a great option for any family. This feature lets you save money as you do not have to buy four beds as your child gets older, and also saves space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to use them when required.
Another aspect to be aware of when you're looking for cribs is that a lot of cribs come with additional features, like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This allows you to alter your crib's look and functionality. It is especially useful if your nursery has limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels, which can be incredibly helpful if you need to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made of durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature modern or classic designs that can be adapted to different styles of nursery décor. Some cribs are made of wood, while others could be made from stainless steel painted or metal. Certain brands are committed to sustainability, offering eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful chemicals are not released into the surrounding environment.
The best convertible crib for your nursery will require some thought and research however it is an important decision that will last for a long time. Take your time when evaluating your options and make sure you evaluate prices, delivery and time to set up, among other things to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby, and it has a big impact on the overall design and feel of the room. It is important to choose a crib that fits your style or goes perfectly with your decor. This can make a significant difference in how you feel about your nursery.
As your child grows older cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds will continue to be useful, giving you the long-term benefits. They're also generally less costly than full-size beds, and can be traded in or donated to a friend when your child no more requires them.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain, as the majority of the parts can be cleaned and removed and the majority have an conversion kit that allows you to transform them into the right size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand a lot of use and are durable. Some even last through multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring mattresses which makes them easier to move when changing sheets or altering mattress height. However, they could be more worn out and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual firm or two-stage mattresses are designed to be used for babies and toddlers. One side is gentler for the infants while the other side is firmer for toddlers. They're generally more secure than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable for older babies who aren't a fan of the sagging feeling of foam. These mattresses are often cheaper than innerspring mattresses.