Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide a dedicated sleeping space for infants to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also encourages a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, including bassinets.
Whether you go for an innovative design or a traditional style, be sure to check if it's GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it satisfies the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to toxic chemicals. Then consider other options to choose the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As parents you are responsible for the safety of your child is of paramount importance. You want your child to sleep peacefully in an environment free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacing no wider than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's head, arms or legs from being caught in the mattress; mattresses that are well-made and comfortable with no drop sides; a solid crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid bells and whistles, for example bumper pads or streamers, which can present a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for cribs with low-VOC paint, which is a safer alternative to traditional varnishes or glues which release harmful chemicals. Also, consider a mattress constructed using non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Finally, pick a crib that is devoid of ornaments and cutouts that could pose injury risks when your child grabs them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is securely fitted to the crib frame, and that there aren't gaps between the mattress and the frame. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or sheepskins, as well as pillows that resemble stuffed animals in the crib. These can increase your baby’s risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also be a danger, since they could be pushed down on the baby and cause suffocation. In the ideal scenario, you should stay clear of a mobile completely and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for the health of your baby and lets you supervise them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most essential things your baby needs is a safe place to sleep. Cribs are a great 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 kinds of establishments must adhere to strict guidelines established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are usually the best place to start your search for a high-quality crib. If you're looking to purchase a crib for your home, there are several considerations you'll need to make prior to purchasing.
Cribs provide a comfy sleeping space for toddlers, infants and newborns that last well beyond the first few months of life. Many models feature convertible features that let you transform cribs into toddler beds or full-size beds, which can help you save money and extend the lifespan of your crib purchase.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their small footprint, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces such as apartments or lofts. Some cribs also have changing stations that could be useful when you have a small space in your nursery.
cheap cot beds are also light and foldable, making them simple to transport. This makes them an ideal option when you're traveling with your child, or when visiting family and friends since you can take the crib down within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. However, the light construction of travel cribs may cause less durable construction than standard models which could be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Find a crib that has an original design if you want it to stand out. You can find one that features sleek, minimalist designs or one made of a material like glass or bamboo and has clear sides for a better access. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives, but they can add a beautiful accent to any nursery.
Some cribs feature traditional designs with graceful curves and moldings. They also have a look that is reminiscent of heirloom pieces. They can be extremely extravagant, and are generally handmade with beautiful details. These are excellent options to consider if you're in search of the perfect crib that will be an important family heirloom in the future. They can also go well with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular style. It is characterized by straight, smooth lines and the light, bare-wood finish. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. These cribs are great for an 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 babies who are still young and have trouble sitting up. They typically have drawers beneath to store wipes, diapers and other necessities.
Some cribs are curved or have designs on the side which can be used to create a canopy effect. They can bring a touch of class to any nursery and are an excellent way to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. Make sure to choose a fabrics that are not too long and is firmly attached to your crib. This will ensure that your child doesn't reach out to grab the fabric and pull it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size beds is a great investment for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds over your child's growth and will also free up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs are equipped with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to use them when required.
Another thing to keep in mind while shopping for cribs is that a lot of models have additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This lets you customize the look and function of your crib, and can be particularly beneficial in the case of a small or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels which can be extremely helpful if you need to move the bed around to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs typically are constructed from durable, non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature an elegant or contemporary design that will fit into a broad selection of nursery décor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, while others could be made from metal or painted stainless steel. Certain brands are committed to sustainability, offering eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful chemicals do not leach into the environment.
It will require some research and thought to choose the most suitable convertible crib for you nursery. But, it's one that will last for years. Consider your options carefully, and be sure to evaluate prices, delivery and the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the best decision for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the biggest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery, and it has a major impact on the overall design and feel of the space. Because of that, choosing one that matches your preferred style or that will work well with the rest of your room decor will make a big difference in how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
As your child gets older cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or daybeds will continue to be useful providing you with the long-term benefits. They are also less costly than a full-size bed and can be lent or sold to a family member after your child is no longer in need of.
Convertible cribs can also be easily maintained, as most parts can be taken off and cleaned, and some have a conversion set that allows you to transform them into the ideal size bed for your baby. Wood cribs are incredibly sturdy and can withstand demands of daily use, with some lasting through several children.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring mattresses which makes them more convenient to move around when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. They are more likely to wear 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 of toddlerhood, with one side that is softer for infants and a firmer side for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses and are more comfortable for older infants who dislike the sagging sensation of foam. They are also typically cheaper than innerspring ones.