Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated baby's sleeping space to reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also encourages a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also offer more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern design or a more traditional style ensure that 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 determine the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As parents you are responsible for the safety of your baby is your top concern. You want your baby to sleep peacefully in a safe environment and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. It is essential to select a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) strict standards.
These include slat spacings 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 well-made and comfortable; no drop sides; a solid crib that has no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. Avoid any bells and whistles, such as bumper pads or streamers that could strangle your baby.
Choose a crib that is coated with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. Look for mattresses made from organic foam and cotton.
Select a crib that does not have decorative embellishments or cutouts. These can cause injury if your child grabs them, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure the mattress cover is securely attached to the crib frame and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame. It is also recommended to avoid placing pillows comforters, quilts, sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib because they can increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Mobiles are also risky, since they could fall towards the baby and cause them to suffocate. Ideally, you should avoid a mobile completely and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is healthier for the health of your baby and allows you to watch over them while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A safe place for your baby to rest is one of the most important things you'll need. Cribs are an excellent place for your baby's sleep particularly when you are busy with other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These establishments must abide by strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal location to start your search for a high-quality crib. You'll have be aware of a number of aspects prior to purchasing the crib.
Cribs are a great option for newborns, infants and toddlers, providing a comfortable sleeping area that lasts well beyond their first few years of existence. Many cribs come with convertible features that let you transform cribs into toddler beds or full size beds, which will help you save money and extend the lifespan of your crib purchase.
The small size of cribs makes them perfect for small spaces such as apartments or lofts. Some models also include a changing station that is a great option in the event that you are limited on space in your nursery.
Travel cribs offer the same degree of convenience, 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, as you can easily put the crib away in just a few minutes prior to leaving. The lightweight construction can also make for a less sturdy crib than traditional models. This might be a concern to some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that will stand out in a room, look for a model with unique styling. It could be one that features an elegant, minimalist design or one that is made of a material such as glass or bamboo and has clear sides for easy access. They tend to be more expensive than their solid wood counterparts however, they can make an appealing centerpiece to any nursery.
Some cribs have a more traditional look with graceful curves and molding, which is reminiscent of antique furniture. They can be very extravagant, and are generally handcrafted with beautiful details. These are great options when you are looking for a crib that can become a beloved piece of furniture for your family over time and can be paired with any style.
Another style that is popular is a Scandinavian-style crib that has smooth straight lines and a light, bare wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are perfect for an modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood unfinished to complement your decor.
They can also serve as a changing table making it easier to change your child. This is especially important for infants who are young and have difficulty sitting up. These models have drawers to store wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs are bent or have designs on the sides that can be used to create a canopy effect. These can add a touch elegance to any nursery and will keep your baby comfortable and cool as they sleep. But, make sure that any fabric you use is not too long or is securely connected to the crib. This will ensure your child doesn't reach out to grasp the fabric and pull it down.
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 will save you money from buying four separate beds throughout your child's growth 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.
When you are looking for a crib that you want to buy, keep in mind that most cribs have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This allows you to customize the look and function of your crib. It can be particularly useful if you're working with only a tiny or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs come with wheels that can be very helpful if you want to move the bed for cleaning or for any other reason.
Convertible cribs typically are constructed from durable, non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the rigorous safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have a contemporary or classic design that can suit a wide variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, whereas others can be constructed from stainless steel painted or metal. Certain brands are even committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD GOLD-certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins leak into the environment.
Selecting the ideal convertible crib for your nursery will require some thought and research, but it is an important choice that could last for years to come. Consider your options carefully and make sure you look at prices, delivery costs, the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the biggest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby and has a major impact on the overall look and feel of the space. Because of that, choosing one that matches your preferred style or fits well with the rest of your room decor can make a huge impact on how you feel about the nursery as you spend time there.
In the same way, cribs designed to be converted into daybeds for toddlers or toddlers can be used as your child grows, providing 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 friend when your child no longer needs them.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain since the majority of the components can be cleaned and removed, and most come with an conversion kit that allows you to transform them into the right size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are durable. recommended cribs can even last for many children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and can be easier to move around when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress's height. However, they can be more worn out and need replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning through toddlerhood, with one side that is softer for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. They're generally more secure than foam mattresses and are more comfortable for older babies who dislike the sagging sensation of foam. These mattresses are often cheaper than innerspring alternatives.