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 also have more flexibility than other options, like bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern style or a more traditional design Make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure that it is in compliance with the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Also, consider other features to find the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent you are responsible for the safety of your baby is your top concern. You want your baby to rest peacefully in a secure environment and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacings no wider than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from getting stuck in the mattress; mattresses that are comfortable and firm; no drop sides; a stable crib that has no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. Avoid using any bells or whistles such as bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Find cribs that are painted with low-VOC, an alternative than traditional glues or varnishes which release harmful chemicals. Choose mattresses made of non-toxic materials like organic foam and cotton.
Also, select a crib that is devoid of ornaments and cutouts, which could be a risk of injury in the event that your child grasps them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. Also, make sure that the mattress cover is secure and tightly fit to the frame of the crib and that there are no gaps between the frame and the mattress. Avoid placing blankets, pillows or sheepskins, as well as pillow-like stuffed animals in the crib. They can increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles can also pose risky, since they could be pulled down on the baby and cause them to collapse. You should choose an infant crib with a mesh structure that is breathable rather than mobiles. This is healthier for the health of your baby and allows you to watch over them while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most essential things your baby needs is a secure place to sleep. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby to rest particularly when you are busy with other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs in your local home goods store or nursery. These establishments must adhere to strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best location to start your search for a top-quality crib. You'll have to consider a variety of factors before you buy the crib.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that will last well beyond the initial months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible that allow you to convert the crib into the size of a toddler bed or full-sized bed. This will save you money on your purchase 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 models also come with an area for changing which could be useful if you have limited room in your nursery.
They are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to carry around. They are a great choice for traveling with your baby or visiting family and friends because they can be easily packed and taken away. The light construction may result in a less sturdy crib than traditional models. This might be a concern to some parents.
3. Style
Choose a crib with an original design if you want it to stand out. You can find a crib with an elegant, minimalist design or constructed from a material such as glass or bamboo. It may also have transparent sides for easy access to. They are usually more expensive than solid wood versions, but they can add an appealing accent to any nursery.
Other cribs offer an older-fashioned style with beautiful curves and moldings, reminiscent of antique furniture. They can be very extravagant, and are generally handmade with beautiful details. They are a great option if you want a crib that will become a favorite piece of furniture in the course of time and can be paired with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular design. It is characterized by smooth, straight lines with the light, bare-wood finish. This lets the natural beauty the wood to be seen. They're a good fit to any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
Cribs that can serve as a combination of a changing table can make it much easier to change your baby, especially when they're younger and struggle to sit up on their own. They usually have drawers underneath to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the sides which can be used to create an effect of canopy. They can add a touch of elegant to any nursery and will keep your baby comfortable and cool as they sleep. But, make sure that the fabric you choose to use isn't too long or that it's firmly connected to the crib. This will prevent 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 beds is a great investment for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds during the development of your child and also save space in the nursery. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that can be stored easily, making them simple to set up and use when the time comes.
Another thing to keep in mind when you're looking for cribs is that a lot of cribs come with additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This lets you modify the appearance and function of your crib. It can be especially useful if you're working with the smallest or most limited storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels that are extremely useful when you need to move the bed for cleaning or any other reason.
Convertible cribs are typically made with durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and meet stringent safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have a classic or contemporary design that can be adapted to the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are made of wood, while others may be constructed from stainless steel painted or metal. tots and cots are even committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which ensures that no harmful toxins leach into the environment.
It will take some time and effort to select the ideal convertible crib for your nursery. However, it's one that will last for years to come. Compare your options and evaluate the prices and delivery times as well as other aspects before settling on a choice.
5. Value
The crib is the most important piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and has a major impact on the overall appearance and feel of the space. It is crucial to select the crib that is in line with your style or will go well with your room decor. This will make a huge impact on how you feel about your nursery.
In the same way, cribs designed to transform into toddler beds or daybeds can be used as your child grows, giving you value over the long term. They are also typically less expensive than full-size beds, and are able to be sold or given to a family member when your child no more requires them.
Convertible cribs are also easily maintained, as most parts can be taken off and cleaned, and a lot have a conversion set that allows you to convert them into the right size bed for your baby. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are sturdy. Some can even last for many children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives and are easier to move around when changing sheets or altering the mattress height. They can wear out faster and need to be replaced earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual firm or two-stage mattress, are designed to be used by infants and toddlers. One side is softer for the infants while the other side is firmer for toddlers. They are typically more secure than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable for older babies who don't like the sagging feeling of foam. They're typically cheaper than innerspring alternatives.