Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer infants a dedicated sleep space to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, including bassinets.
Whether you choose a contemporary style or a more traditional style ensure that it's GreenGuard Gold certified to ensure that it meets the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Take into consideration other aspects when choosing the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As parents, the safety of your baby is your top concern. You want your child to rest peacefully in an environment free of dangers, such as sharp edges or splinters. It is essential to select a crib that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) strict standards.
There are a variety of things to consider, including slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inch so your baby's legs and arms aren't entangled. Also you should look for a mattress that has a firm and snug fit with no drop sides; stable cribs without wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid any bells and whistles like bumper pads and streamers which could strangle your baby.
Find a crib that is coated with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to glues and varnishes that emit harmful chemicals into the air. Also, search for a mattress that is made using non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Pick a crib with no decorative embellishments or cutouts. They could cause injuries should your child pick them up, or gets their fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is secure and securely attached to the frame of your crib, and that there aren't gaps between the mattress and the frame. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or sheepskins, as well as similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. These can increase your baby’s risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also be dangerous, as they could be pulled over the baby, causing them to choke. You should opt for an infant crib with a mesh structure that is breathable, instead of mobiles. This will be better for your baby's health and allow you to keep an eye on your little one as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most important things your baby needs is an area that is safe to sleep in. Cribs are an excellent place for your baby to sleep particularly when you are engaged in other household chores.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. These types of establishments must adhere to strict guidelines established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are typically the best place to begin your search for a top quality crib. You'll have to take into consideration several aspects before purchasing a crib.
Cribs are an excellent choice for newborns, infants and toddlers, providing an inviting sleeping space that will last for their first few years of life. Many cribs have convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into the size of a toddler bed or full-size bed. This can save you money on your purchase and extend its life.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their compact footprint, which makes them suitable for smaller spaces such as apartments or lofts. Some models include the option of a changing table, which can be useful if your nursery is restricted in space.
Travel cribs are also lightweight and foldable, making them simple to carry around. This makes them a great option when you're traveling with your child or visiting friends and family since you can take the crib down within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. However, the light construction of travel cribs may cause less durable construction than standard cribs, which may be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can make a statement in a room choose a crib with unique styling. There are cribs with a minimalist, sleek style or made of something like glass or bamboo. It may also have transparent sides for easy access to. These are often more expensive than solid wood alternatives, but they can add an appealing centerpiece to any nursery.
Other cribs have an older style with beautiful curves and moldings, as well as a look that is reminiscent of heirloom pieces. They can also be quite extravagant and are usually hand-crafted with stunning details. These are great options when you are looking for a crib that can become an integral piece of family furniture over time and will work well with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular design. It features straight, smooth lines and an ethereal, bare-wood look. This lets the natural beauty the wood to shine through. These cribs are perfect for a modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood bare to match your decor.
Cribs that have the functionality of a changing table can help you change your baby, particularly when they're young and have trouble sitting up on their own. These models have drawers to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the side which can be used to create an effect of canopy. These can add a touch elegant to any nursery and keep your baby comfortable and cool as they sleep. However, be sure that any fabric you use isn't too long, or that it's firmly fixed to the crib. This will prevent 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 crib, a daybed or a full-size bed can be extremely useful for any family. This feature lets you save money by not having to buy four separate beds as your child gets older, and also saves space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with simple-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to make use of them whenever needed.
Another important thing to consider when shopping for cribs is that a lot of cribs come with additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This allows you to customize the look and function of your crib, and could be particularly useful in the case of only a tiny or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs are equipped with wheels which can be extremely useful if you have to move the bed around to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs are usually constructed with durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have modern or classic designs that can fit into a variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, while others may be constructed of stainless steel painted or metal. Certain brands are committed to environmental sustainability, and offer eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins are not released into the surrounding environment.
Choosing the best convertible crib for your child will require some thought and research however it is an important decision that can be used for many years to come. Consider your options carefully 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 massive piece of furniture that can make a significant impact on the appearance and feel of the nursery of your baby. Therefore, selecting one that matches your preference in style or one that works well with the other decor elements in your room can make a huge impact on how you feel about the nursery as you are there.
As your child gets older cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or daybeds are still useful and provide you with the long-term benefits. They are also less costly than full-size bed and can be lent or sold to a relative when your child no longer has need.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, since most of the parts can be cleaned and removed, and most come with an conversion kit that makes it easier to transform them into the appropriate size bed for your child. cot bed sales are especially sturdy and can withstand demands of daily use, with some even last through multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and are therefore easier to move around when changing sheets or altering the mattress height. They can wear out faster and need to be replaced sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also known as dual firm or two-stage mattresses are designed to be used by infants and toddlers. One side is gentler for infants while the other is more firm for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses, and are more comfortable for older babies who aren't a fan of the sagging feeling of foam. They are also typically cheaper than innerspring ones.