Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib provides infants with a dedicated sleep space to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent sleeping routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, like bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern design or a more traditional design Make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure that it adheres to the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Consider other features when choosing the crib that is suitable for your family.
1. Safety
As parents you are responsible for the safety of your baby is of paramount importance. You want your child to rest comfortably in a safe environment free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
There are numerous 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 and arms do not get caught. Also you should look for a mattress that has a firm, snug fit with no drop sides; stable cribs with no wobbling parts and a clear instruction on assembly. Avoid using any bells or whistles like bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Find a crib painted with low-VOC paints, a safer alternative to traditional varnishes and glues which release harmful chemicals into the air. Look for mattresses made from non-toxic materials such as organic foam and cotton.
Choose a crib without any decorative ornaments or cutouts. They can cause injury if your child grabs them, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure that the mattress cover is securely attached to the frame of the crib, and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. You should also avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts, sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib as these can increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also be a hazard, as they can be tipped over onto the baby, causing the baby to suffocate. You should opt for an infant crib with a mesh structure that is breathable rather than mobiles. This is better for the health of your baby and lets you monitor them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most essential things your baby will need is an area that is safe to sleep in. Cribs are an excellent place for your baby to rest especially when you are working on other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. These types of establishments have to adhere to strict guidelines established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are usually the best place to begin your search for a quality crib. If you're looking to purchase a crib for your home, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase.
Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping area for toddlers, infants and newborns that will last beyond their first few months of life. Many cribs have convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into an infant bed or a full-size bed. This will help you save money and extend its life.
Another advantage of cribs is their compact footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces such as apartments or lofts. Some cribs come with a changing table, which is useful if your nursery space is restricted in space.
Travel cribs provide a similar degree of convenience, since they're designed to be light and foldable for easy transport. This makes them a great choice when traveling with your child, or when visiting family and friends since you can put the crib away in a few minutes before leaving. However, the light construction of travel cribs can also result in less robust construction than standard models which could be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with a unique design if you want it to stand out. You can find a crib with an elegant, minimalist style or made of something like bamboo or glass. It could also have clear sides to allow for easy observation. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however they can be a stunning accent piece for any nursery.
Other cribs have an older style with graceful curves, moldings and an appearance that reminds of heirloom pieces. They can also be extravagant and are usually hand-crafted with stunning details. These are excellent options when you are looking for an item that will be a beloved piece of family furniture over time and will work well with any theme.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian crib with smooth straight lines and a light, naked wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. They're an excellent fit for any 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 baby. This is especially true for infants who are young and may have trouble sitting up. These models have drawers for storing wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs have curving sides or designs that can be used as an umbrella. They can bring a touch of class to any nursery and are a great way to keep your baby cool and comfortable while 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 back.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts into a toddler's crib, a daybed or a full-size bed can be extremely useful for any family. This feature allows you to save money since you don't 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 can be stored easily, making them easy to put together and use when the time comes.
When you are looking for a crib that you want to buy, keep in mind that a lot of cribs come with additional features such as adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This allows you to customize the look and functionality of your crib. This is particularly useful when your nursery is limited in storage space. best cot bed have wheels that are extremely useful when you need to move the bed for cleaning or for any other reason.
Convertible cribs are typically constructed from durable non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the rigorous safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. Many models have a classic or contemporary design that will suit different styles of nursery décor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, while others could be constructed from stainless steel or painted metal. Certain brands are even committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins leach into the environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your nursery will take some thought and research however it is an important decision that can last for a long time. Consider your options carefully and make sure you compare prices, delivery and setup times and other factors 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 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 that will work well with the rest of your room's decor will make a big difference in how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
Similar to cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds extend their utility as your child grows, providing you long-term value. They are also less expensive than a traditional bed and can be given or sold to a friend once your child no longer has need of.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, as the majority of the components can be cleaned and removed and the majority come with a conversion kit that makes it easy to transform them into the appropriate size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand a lot of use and are sturdy. Some can even last for multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring mattresses which makes them more convenient to move when changing sheets or altering mattress height. However, they could be more worn out and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning through toddlerhood, with the soft side for infants and a more firm side for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses and are more comfortable for older babies who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They are usually more affordable than innerspring alternatives.