Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer infants an area for sleeping that is specifically designed to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible 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 minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Consider other features to determine the perfect crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, your baby's safety is a top priority. You want your child to sleep soundly in a safe environment, free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. It is crucial to select a crib that is in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) strict standards.
These include slat spacing no wider than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's legs, arms or head from becoming stuck in the mattress; an appropriate mattress that is comfortable and firm; no drop sides; a stable crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear instructions for assembly. Also, avoid bells and whistles, such as bumper pads or streamers, which could cause strangulation for your baby.
Look for cribs with low-VOC varnish, which is a safer option to traditional varnishes or glues which release harmful chemicals. Look for mattresses made from organic foam and cotton.
Choose a crib without any decorative embellishments or cutouts. They could cause injuries if your child grabs them or gets their fingers stuck in them. Also, make sure that the mattress cover is securely attached to the frame of your crib and that there are no gaps between the mattress and the frame. Avoid placing blankets, pillows, sheepskins, or pillows that resemble stuffed animals in the crib. They can increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also be risky, since they can be pulled down on the baby and cause them to suffocate. You should choose an infant crib with a mesh structure that is breathable, instead of mobiles. This will be better for your baby's health and let you keep an eye on your baby while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most crucial things your baby needs is a secure place to sleep. Cribs are an excellent place for your baby to rest particularly when you are engaged in other household chores.
You'll probably find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. These types of establishments have to comply with strict regulations established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are typically the best place to begin your search for a quality crib. You'll need to consider a variety of factors before you buy the crib.
Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that will last well beyond the initial months of life. Many models feature convertible features that allow you to convert them into toddler beds or full size beds, which will help you save money and extend the life of your crib purchase.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some models include a changing table, which is useful if your nursery is limited in space.
Travel cribs provide a similar level of comfort, since they're designed to be light and easily foldable for transport. cot sales 're a great option to travel with your baby or visiting friends and family, as they are easy to pack and taken away. The lightweight construction can also make for a less sturdy crib than the standard ones. This might be a cause of concern for 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 style or made of materials like bamboo or glass. It could also have transparent sides for easy access to. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however, they can be a beautiful focal piece in any nursery.
Other cribs feature an older-fashioned style with beautiful curves and molding, reminiscent of antique furniture. They can also be elaborate and are typically handcrafted with gorgeous details. They are a great option if you want an item that will be a favorite piece of family furniture over time and can be paired with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular style. It is characterized by straight, smooth lines and an ethereal, bare-wood look. This lets the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. These cribs are ideal for an modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood bare to complement your decor.
Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table can make it much easier to change your baby, particularly when they're younger and struggle to sit up on their own. They typically have drawers beneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs have curved sides or designs that can be used as an umbrella. These can add a touch elegant to any nursery and will keep your baby comfortable and cool during their sleep. Make sure to choose a 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 converts into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size bed is an excellent 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 come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to make use of them whenever required.
When shopping for a crib for your child, bear in mind that many models have additional features, like adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This lets you customize the appearance and function of your crib. This is particularly useful if your nursery has limited storage space. Some cribs have wheels that can be extremely helpful in case you need to move the bed around for cleaning or for any other reason.
Convertible cribs are typically made of durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the rigorous safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have an elegant or contemporary design that can suit a wide variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed from wood and others are made from metal or painted steel. Certain brands are committed to environmental sustainability, and offer eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins are not absorbed into the environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your nursery will take some time and effort however, it's an important decision that will be used for many years to come. Consider your options carefully, and be sure to look at prices, delivery costs, setup times and other factors to make the right choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the most important piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby, and it has a big impact on the overall design and feel of the space. Because of that, choosing one that matches your preference in style or one that works well with the other decor elements in your room can make a significant difference in how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
In the same way, cribs designed to transform into toddler beds or daybeds extend their utility as your child grows, giving you long-term value. 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 longer needs them.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain since the majority of the parts are easily removed and cleaned, and most have an conversion kit that makes it easier to convert them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are sturdy. Some even last multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. However, they can wear out more quickly and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning of toddlerhood, with one side that is softer for infants and a firmer side for toddlers. They are usually safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older babies who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They're typically cheaper than innerspring mattresses.