A The Complete Guide To Baby Crib From Beginning To End
Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting time, but choosing the right crib is among the most crucial decisions you will make. The crib where your baby sleeps will have a significant impact on their health and development regardless of the style of the slats, or the mattress height.
Be aware that bolts and nails can wiggle loose over time, so check your crib's hardware frequently. Also, avoid placing your crib close to drapes or window blinds that dangle, which create a strangulation risk for your baby.
Size
Size is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when buying a crib. The crib should be big enough to fit a sleeping baby, but small enough to allow you to reach them in a safe manner to care for them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are made from metal or wood and a majority have the slatted sides. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and ensure adequate air flow. Cribs are used from birth until the child is about two years old. older, at which point they will need to be moved into a toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress height that can be adjusted to meet your baby's development. The lowest setting is best for newborns, whereas the highest setting is ideal for babies who sit up or crawl. Be sure to measure the inside of your crib to be sure the mattress will fit, as the slatted design of a lot of cribs leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Manufacturers offer cribs and mattresses that aren't standard sizes, but still comply with the same safety standards. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs often have mesh or rigid sides, and they are generally smaller in size than cribs that are full-size.
If you opt for a crib that is not standard, make sure you check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. There may be specific specifications that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the maximum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can help keep it clean and protected from spills or accidents. Choose one with an antimicrobial layer that eliminates bacteria and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop sides, be aware that they were linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and have been outlawed in the US since. Even if you intend to purchase or receive a crib with drop sides for your baby be sure to get rid of it once your child is 35 inches or has the ability to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is the most secure spot for your child. It is not only an area to rest, but also a place to observe and hold them often. There are numerous crib models and brands on the market. However, all have to meet certain safety requirements. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure that cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you put your baby in the crib, make sure the crib is clean and free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that might fall out of the crib. Don't put any blankets or pillows in the crib. They can lead to suffocation. Instead, use mattress pads and a fitted sheet.

Some commenters suggested that cribs need to comply with the formaldehyde emission standards laid out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 112-199) and that cribs made of composite wood should be inspected to determine if they are in conformity. Although these requirements do not directly apply to cribs, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to mandate that cribs and other furniture made from composite wood comply with this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement of tightening fasteners between dynamic tests. This suggestion is not acceptable to us. The dynamic tests - the shake test and the vertical mattress support test - are designed to mimic and accelerate the use and abuse of cribs by children. Loose screw is the second leading cause of crib fatalities.
Other comments were based upon the EWS incident data. The data shows that the most frequently cited dangers associated with cribs are dangerous mattresses and drop-sides. Therefore, we have decided to focus on these concerns in the rulemaking process and to include the performance standards that are currently contained in the existing mandatory standard through reference. By incorporating the performance standards by reference we can ensure that safety in cribs is maintained consistently and effectively.
Style
The design of your baby's nursery is an exciting and rewarding process. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so you should select one that fits your style and compliments the decor. There are a variety of chic cribs available that you can choose from modern and minimalist or traditional. There are options available in every price range, from budget to upscale. Make sure that the crib you pick conforms to all safety standards.
A crib is a small crib designed especially for infants and babies. It has slatted walls that allow for an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are usually larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, but they are more functional for your baby's early years.
There are a variety of crib designs that are available, however all must be safe to use. The crib slats, for example, should not be more than 6 centimeters (about the width of a can of soda) apart. It is also recommended to beware of cutouts or ornaments on the footboard and headboard.
The mattress must be able to fit snugly into the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the crib and mattress can allow babies' arms or legs to become entangled. best infant cribs of cribs have bars for stabilization that aid in keeping the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn't, be sure to buy an extra mattress pad to provide support.
A good crib also has a low sitting mattress level that helps keep children from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are limited in space. However, make sure to verify the mattress's height prior your purchase. The corner of most mattresses will show the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you want a crib that can grow with your child, think about purchasing a convertible crib. These types of cribs can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed or a full-size bed. A few of the cribs on our list, like the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits included. The rest will require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars However, there are some cribs that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4 in 1 Crib costs less than 200 dollars and is 5-star rated by BabyCenter and Baby Bargains. It also has an overall profile that is medium height, making it simple to take your child in and out.
The Munchkin Brica travel pod is another affordable crib. This portable sleep-and-play option is easy to assemble and folds up in an hour. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors on a deck or patio and is suitable for babies up to 15 pounds. It is not designed to be a permanent solution to sleeping, as your child will grow out of the product after six months.
There are also bassinets that are budget-friendly and cradles that can be used for the beginning of the first few months, allowing you to keep your baby in a safe and secure environment. They're more expensive however they are smaller and easier to move. They're only a temporary sleep solution for your baby and they will outgrow it before their first birthday.
A good crib should be sturdy and solid mattress support that is able to be adjusted in four different positions, depending on your baby's growth. It should be low enough to let you reach in and out easily, particularly when you are less than 5'5. Some cribs have posts that are higher than 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which could cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs feature separate changing rooms that make diapering a bit easier and faster. While these are convenient however, they take up more space than traditional cribs and may not be the best choice for smaller nurseries.
It is also important to consider the materials the crib is constructed of. Many cribs are made of particleboard, which is made up of formaldehyde. Look for a crib made from solid wood or comes with an aluminum base instead.