Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer a designated baby's sleeping space to reduce the risk 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 that it adheres to the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Consider other features when choosing the crib that is suitable for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, your child's safety is a top priority. You want your baby to rest peacefully in a safe environment that is free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
There are many things to consider, including slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inches to ensure your baby's legs or arms aren't entangled. Also, a mattress with a firm and snug fit and no drop sides stable cribs without wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid any bells and whistles such as bumper pads or streamers that could strangle your baby.
Find a crib painted with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to traditional glues and varnishes that emit harmful chemicals into the air. In addition, you should search for a mattress that is made with non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Also, select a crib free of decorative embellishments and cutouts that could pose injury risks in the event that your child grabs them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. You should also check that the mattress cover is securely attached to the frame of your crib, and that there aren't gaps between the frame and the mattress. Avoid putting pillows, blankets 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 a danger, as they can be pulled towards the baby and cause them to collapse. It is recommended to choose a crib mattress made of mesh that is breathable instead of mobiles. This is better for your baby's health and will let you monitor your child while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure space for your baby's sleep is one of the most important things you'll need. Cribs are a great place for your baby's sleep, especially when you are engaged in other household chores.
You can find cribs in your local nursery or at the home goods store. These kinds of establishments must adhere to strict guidelines set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are usually 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 many considerations you'll need to make prior to purchasing.
Cribs are a fantastic option for infants, newborns and toddlers, providing a comfortable sleeping area that lasts well beyond the first few years of existence. Many cribs have convertible features, allowing you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This will save you money and extend the life of your crib.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. crib sets include a changing station that could be useful if you have limited room in your nursery.
They are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to carry around. This makes them a great choice when traveling with your child, or when visiting family and friends because you can easily put the crib away within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. The lightweight construction can also make for a less sturdy crib than standard models. This might be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Choose a crib with a unique design if you want it to stand out. You can find a crib with a minimalist, sleek style or made of a material such as glass or bamboo. It may also have transparent sides for easy access to. They are generally more expensive than solid wood alternatives however they can be a stunning accent piece for any nursery.
Some cribs feature a more traditional design with elegant curves, moldings and a look that is reminiscent of antique pieces. They can be quite extravagant, and are typically handmade with beautiful details. They are a great option when you are looking for a crib that will become an integral piece of furniture for your family over time and work with any theme.
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. They're a good fit to any modern or contemporary nursery and you can paint them or leave them as is 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 have difficulty sitting up. These cribs have drawers that can be used to store wipes, diapers and other necessities.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as a canopy. These can bring a touch of class to any nursery and are an excellent option to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. But, make sure that the fabric you choose isn't too long or that it is securely fixed to the crib. This will ensure your child can't reach out and grab the fabric and pull it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts 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 since you don't have to buy four separate beds as your child grows, and it also helps to save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with conversion kits that store easily, making them easy to set up and use at any time.
Another thing to keep in mind when you're looking for a crib is that many cribs have additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This lets you customize the look and function of your crib, and could be especially useful when you have a small or limited 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 for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally constructed from durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature an elegant or contemporary design that can suit a wide range of nursery decor. Some cribs are made of wood, whereas others can be made from metal or painted stainless steel. Some brands are committed sustainability, offering eco-friendly cribs made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins are not absorbed into the environment.
It will require some time and effort to choose the most suitable convertible crib for your nursery. However, it is an investment that will last for years. Consider your options carefully and be sure to look at prices, delivery costs, setup times and other factors to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in the nursery of your baby and can have a significant impact on the overall appearance and feel of the room. It is crucial to select the crib that is in line with your style and will work well with the decor of your room. This will make a huge difference in how you feel about your nursery.
As your child grows older cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or daybeds will continue to be useful and provide you with the long-term benefits. They're also generally less expensive than full-size beds and can be sold or given to a family member when your child no longer needs them.
Convertible cribs can also be easily maintained, since most parts can be taken off and cleaned, and a lot have a conversion kit that makes it easy to convert them into the right size bed for your baby. Wood cribs are extremely sturdy and can withstand stress of regular use, with some even lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring alternatives which makes them more convenient to move around when changing sheets or adjusting mattress height. However, they could wear out more quickly and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual-firm or two-stage mattresses are designed to be used for babies and toddlers. One side is soft for infants while the other side is more firm for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older babies who dislike the sagging sensation of foam. These mattresses are often cheaper than innerspring alternatives.