Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer a designated sleeping space for infants to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also encourages a consistent sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, such as bassinets.
Whether you go for modern or traditional one, make sure to verify that it is GREENGUARD certified Gold to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and reduces exposures to toxic chemicals. Consider other options to choose the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, your child's safety is a top priority. You want your child to rest peacefully in a safe environment that is free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. Pick a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacing less than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's legs, arms or head from becoming stuck; a mattress that is comfortable and firm without drop sides; a stable crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear assembly instructions. Avoid any bells and whistles such as bumper pads and streamers that can strangle your baby.
Choose a crib that has been painted with low-VOC paint which is a safer alternative to traditional glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. In addition, you should search for a mattress that is made of non-toxic materials such as organic cotton and foam.
Pick a crib with no decorative ornaments or cutouts. They could cause injuries when your child grabs them or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure that the mattress cover is securely attached to the frame of the crib and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or sheepskins, as well as pillow-like stuffed animals in the crib. These could increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles can also be a danger, since they could be pushed down on the baby, causing suffocation. You should choose a crib mattress made of mesh that is breathable instead of mobiles. This is healthier for the health of your baby and lets you monitor them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure space for your baby's sleep is one of the most essential things you will need. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby to rest especially when you are working on other household chores.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or at a home goods store. These types of establishments have to comply with strict regulations set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are generally the best place to begin your search for a high-quality crib. If you're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are a few considerations you'll need to make prior to purchasing.
Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping area for toddlers, infants and babies that last well beyond the initial months of life. Many cribs come with 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 the crib you purchase.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for small spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models also include a changing station that could be useful in the event that you are limited on space in your nursery.
They are also lightweight and foldable, making them simple to transport. This makes them an excellent option when you're traveling with your child, or when visiting family and friends, as you can easily pack up the crib within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. However, the light construction of travel cribs may result in less robust construction than standard cribs and could pose an issue for some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with a unique design if you want it to stand out. You may find one with a sleek, minimalist design or one made of a material such as bamboo or glass and features clear sides for easy visibility. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can be a beautiful accent piece for any nursery.
Some cribs feature traditional designs with elegant curves and moldings. They also have the look of antique pieces. They can be extremely extravagant, and are typically handmade with beautiful details. These are excellent options when you are looking for a crib that will become a beloved piece of family furniture over time and work with any theme.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular style. It features straight lines that are smooth and straight with a light, bare-wood finish. This lets the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. These cribs are ideal for modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood unfinished to match your decor.
These cribs can also be used as a changing table, making it easier to change your baby. This is particularly true for infants who are young and may have trouble sitting up. These models have drawers to store wipes, diapers and other necessities.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the sides that can be used to create an effect of canopy. They can bring a touch of class to any nursery and are a great method to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. Make sure to choose a fabric that is not too long and is securely attached to your crib. This will stop your child from reaching out to grab the fabric, or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that transforms into a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size beds is a great investment for any family. This feature will help you save money by not purchasing four separate beds over your child's development and will also free up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to use them when required.
Another important thing to consider when you're looking for a crib is that many models have additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This lets you alter the look and functionality of your crib, and can be particularly useful when you have a small or limited amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs even have wheels that can be incredibly useful when you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs typically are made from sturdy non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have a classic or contemporary design that will suit the various styles of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, while others could be constructed from stainless steel painted or metal. Certain brands are even committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs utilizing GREENGUARD GOLD-certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.
It takes some time and effort to select the ideal convertible crib for you nursery. However, affordable cots is one that will last for years to come. Take your time when evaluating your options 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 largest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and can have a significant impact on the overall design and feel of the room. It is essential to choose a crib that fits your style or goes perfectly with your decor. This will make a huge difference in the way you feel about your nursery.
As your child gets older cribs that can be converted into daybeds or toddler beds can be used for a long time providing you with the long-term benefits. They are also less expensive than a full-size bed and can be given or sold to a friend once your child is no longer in need.
Convertible cribs are also easily maintained, as most components can be removed and cleaned, and a lot have a conversion kit that allows you to transform them into the perfect size bed for your baby. Wood cribs are extremely sturdy and can withstand rigors of frequent use, with some even last through multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or altering the mattress's height. However, they can wear out more quickly and require replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning of toddlerhood, with a side that's softer for infants and a more firm side for toddlers. They're typically more secure than foam mattresses and are more comfortable for older children who aren't a fan of the sagging feeling of foam. These mattresses are also often more affordable than innerspring options.