Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated baby's sleeping space to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also encourages a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also provide more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
If you choose an innovative design or a traditional one, make sure to verify that it's GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it satisfies the highest standards of safety and reduces exposures to toxic chemicals. Then consider other features to determine the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, the safety of your child is of paramount importance. You want your child to sleep soundly in a secure environment and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacings not more than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's head, arms or legs from becoming caught; mattresses that are well-made and comfortable with no drop sides; a stable crib with no wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid any bells and whistles such as bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Find cribs that are painted with low-VOC paint, a safer option to traditional varnishes or glues which emit harmful chemicals. Choose mattresses made of organic foam and cotton.
Lastly, choose a crib that is free of decorative embellishments and cutouts, which can pose injury risks when your child is able to grab them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is securely fitted to the crib frame, and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress and the frame. Avoid placing blankets, pillows or sheepskins, as well as similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. They can increase your baby’s risk of SIDS. Mobiles are also risky, since they could fall down on the baby, causing them to choke. You should choose a crib mattress made of mesh that is breathable rather than mobiles. This will be better for your baby's health and will let you keep an eye on your child while they sleep.
2. crib sets of the most essential things your baby will need is a secure place to sleep. Cribs offer a comfortable place for your little one to rest, which can be particularly useful when you're juggling other household chores or other activities.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These types of establishments must follow strict guidelines that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are typically the best place to begin your search for a top quality crib. If you're looking to purchase a crib for your home, there are several things to consider before making your purchase.
Cribs are a fantastic option for infants, newborns and toddlers, offering an incredibly comfortable bed that will last well beyond their first few years of existence. Many models feature convertible features that allow you to transform them into toddler beds or full size beds, which will reduce your costs and prolong the life of your crib purchase.
Another advantage of cribs is their compact footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces such as lofts or apartments. Some models include the option of a changing table, which can be useful if your nursery is small in size.
Travel cribs offer a similar degree of convenience, since they're designed to be lightweight and easily foldable for transport. This makes them an excellent choice when traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family, as you can easily take the crib down in a few minutes before leaving. However, the lightweight design of travel cribs can also 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 will make a statement in a room, look for a model with a unique style. It could be one with an elegant, minimalist design or one that is made of a material like bamboo or glass and has clear sides for a better accessibility. They are generally more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however, they can be a beautiful centerpiece in any nursery.
Some cribs feature a more traditional design with beautiful curves, moldings and an appearance that reminds of heirloom pieces. They can also be quite elaborate and are typically handcrafted with gorgeous details. They are a great option when you are looking for a crib that can become a beloved piece of furniture in the course of time and work with any theme.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian crib with sleek straight lines and a light, naked wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. They're an excellent fit for any modern or contemporary nursery, and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table could make it much easier to change your baby, particularly when they're younger and struggle to sit up on their own. These cribs come with drawers to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs are curving 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 during their sleep. Be sure to use fabrics that aren't too long and that is tightly anchored to your crib. This will stop your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed an adult daybed or a large bed is a great option for any family. This feature can save you money purchasing four separate beds during your child's growth as well as save space in the nursery. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that store easily, making them easy to put together and use when the time comes.
Another thing to keep in mind when shopping 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 a small or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs even have wheels which can be extremely helpful if you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally constructed with sturdy, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and meet the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature modern or classic designs that can suit a wide range of nursery decor. Some cribs are made of wood, whereas others can be constructed from stainless steel or painted metal. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which ensures that no harmful toxins leach into the environment.
Choosing the best convertible crib for your baby will require some thought and research however, it's an important choice that could last for years to come. Consider your options and evaluate the prices and delivery times as well as other factors before making a decision.
5. Value
The crib is a large piece of furniture that will have a major impact on the appearance and feel of the nursery of your baby. It is essential to choose a crib that fits your style and will work well with your room decor. This will make a huge difference in the way you feel about your nursery.
As your child ages cribs that can be converted into daybeds or toddler beds are still useful, giving you the long-term benefits. They are also typically less expensive than larger beds and can be traded in or donated to a relative when your child no more requires them.
Convertible cribs can also be easily maintained, as most parts can be taken off and cleaned, and some have a conversion set that makes it easy to transform them into the ideal size bed for your baby. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are sturdy. Some can even last for multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring alternatives which makes them more convenient to move around when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. However, they may get worn out faster and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also known as dual firm or two-stage mattress, are designed to be used by infants and toddlers. One side is gentler for the infants while the other side is firmer for toddlers. They're generally safer than foam mattresses, and are more comfortable for older infants who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They are also typically cheaper than innerspring alternatives.