Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated baby's sleeping space to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular 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 it meets the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Consider other features to find the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As parents to a child, the safety of your baby is of paramount importance. You want your child to rest comfortably in a safe environment free of dangers, like sharp edges or splinters. Pick a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
There are a variety of things to look out for, including slat spacing that isn't more than 2 3/8 inches so your baby's arms or legs don't get trapped. Also you should look for a mattress that has an incredibly firm and comfortable fit; no drop sides; stable cribs with no wobbling parts and detailed instructions on assembly. Avoid bells and whistles, like bumper streams or pads, as they can present a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for cribs painted with low-VOC varnish, which is which is a safer alternative to traditional varnishes or glues that release harmful chemicals. Choose mattresses made of organic foam and cotton.
Select a crib that does not have ornaments or cutouts. They can cause injury should your child pick them up, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Check that the mattress cover fits tightly to the crib frame and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or sheepskins or pillows that resemble stuffed animals in the crib. They can increase your baby’s risk of SIDS. Mobiles are also a potential hazard, as they can be pulled down onto the baby and cause death. It is recommended to choose a mesh crib mobile that is breathable instead of mobiles. This will be better for your baby's health as well as let you keep an eye on your baby while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure space for your baby to rest is among the most important things you'll require. Cribs offer a comfortable place for your baby to rest, which will be particularly useful when you're busy with other household chores or other activities.
You'll likely find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These establishments must adhere to strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best place to start your search for a high-quality crib. You'll have to take into consideration several factors before you buy the crib.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and babies that last beyond their first few months of life. Many cribs have convertible features that allow you to transform cribs into toddler beds or full-size beds, which can reduce your costs and prolong the life of your crib purchase.
The small size of cribs makes them ideal for small spaces like lofts or apartments. Some cribs also have changing stations that is a great option in the event that you are limited on space in your nursery.
infant cot bed offer a similar level of convenience, as they're designed to be light and foldable for easy transport. This makes them a great option for traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family because you can easily pack up the crib within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. However, the lightweight design of cribs for travel can cause less durable construction than standard models which could be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can stand out in a space choose a crib with a unique style. You can find a crib with a minimalist, sleek design or made from materials like bamboo or glass. It may also have transparent sides for easy observation. These are usually more expensive than solid wood alternatives but can be a beautiful centerpiece in any nursery.
Other cribs feature traditional designs with graceful curves and moldings, reminiscent of antique furniture. They can also be extravagant and are usually hand-crafted with gorgeous details. They are a great option to consider if you're in search of an infant crib that will become an important family heirloom in the future. They can also be paired with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular design. It features straight lines that are smooth and straight with an ethereal, bare-wood look. This lets the natural beauty the wood to shine through. These cribs are ideal for modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood unfinished to fit in with your decor.
They can also serve as a changing table, making it easier to change your baby. This is particularly true for infants who are young and have trouble sitting up. These models have drawers for storing wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs are curved or have designs on the side that can be used to create an illusion of a canopy. These can add a touch of elegance to any nursery and are a fantastic method to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. Make sure to choose a fabrics that aren't too long and securely attached to your crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can convert 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 by not having to buy four beds as your child grows, and also saves space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs also come with conversion kits that store easily, making them easy to assemble and use at any time.
Another important thing to consider when you're looking for a crib is that many models have additional features, such as drawers or adjustable mattress heights. This lets you alter the look and functionality of your crib. It can be especially useful in the case of only a tiny or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs come with wheels that can be very helpful when you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made of durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have a classic or contemporary design that will suit a variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, while others could be constructed from stainless steel painted or metal. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs utilizing GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which ensures that no harmful toxins leach into the environment.
It will require some research and thought to choose the best convertible crib for you nursery. However, it's one that will last for years. Take your time when evaluating your options and be sure to compare prices, delivery and the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a large piece of furniture that can have a significant impact on the design and feel of the nursery of your baby. It is important to choose the crib that is in line with your style or will go well with your room decor. This can make a big difference in the way you feel about your nursery.
Similar to cribs that are designed to transform into toddler beds or daybeds can be used as your child grows, providing you long-term value. They are also less expensive than a full-size bed and can be lent or sold to a family member once your child is no longer in need.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, as the majority of the parts are easily removed and cleaned, and most come with a conversion kit that makes it easy to turn them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs can stand up to a lot of use and are durable. Some can even last for multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives, making them easier to move around when changing sheets or altering mattress height. However, they could wear out more quickly and need replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning of toddlerhood, with the soft side for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. They're generally safer than foam mattresses, and are more comfortable for older infants who dislike the sagging sensation of foam. They're typically more affordable than innerspring alternatives.