15 Unexpected Facts About Cribs You Didn't Know
Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery Cribs provide infants with an exclusive sleeping space to reduce the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promotes a consistent sleeping routine. Cribs are also more flexible than other options, like bassinets. If you decide to go with a modern design or a more traditional style ensure that it's GreenGuard Gold certified to ensure it meets the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Be aware of other aspects when selecting the crib that is suitable for your family. 1. Safety As a parent you are responsible for the safety of your baby is a top priority. You want your child to sleep soundly in a safe environment and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. It's important to choose a crib that is in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards. These include slat spacings less than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from being caught in the mattress; mattresses that are firm and snug-fitting; no drop sides; a stable crib with no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. Avoid any bells and whistles such as bumper pads and streamers which can strangle your baby. Look for a crib that is painted with low-VOC paints which is a safer alternative to glues and varnishes that emit harmful chemicals into the air. Choose mattresses made of organic foam and cotton. Lastly, choose a crib that is free of decorative ornaments and cutouts, which could be a risk of injury if your baby grasps them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is secure and securely fitted to the crib frame and that there aren't gaps between the mattress and the frame. You should also avoid putting pillows, quilts, comforters pillows, sheepskins or similar stuffed toys in the crib as these can increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles are also a potential danger, since they could be tipped over onto the baby, causing suffocation. It is recommended to choose a crib mattress made of mesh that is breathable rather than mobiles. This is better for the health of your baby and allows you to supervise them as they sleep. 2. Convenience A safe place for your baby to sleep is among the most essential things you will need. Cribs offer a comfortable place for your baby to relax, which can be particularly helpful when you're busy tending to other household chores or other activities. You can find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. These establishments must adhere to strict regulations set out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal place to begin your search for a top-quality crib. You'll have to take into consideration several aspects prior to purchasing the crib. Cribs provide a comfy sleeping area for toddlers, infants and newborns that will last well beyond the initial months of life. Many cribs have convertible features that allow you to convert cribs into toddler beds or full-size beds, which will save you money and extend the lifespan of the crib you purchase. Another advantage of cribs is their small footprint which makes them ideal for smaller spaces such as lofts or apartments. Some models come with a changing table, which can be useful if your nursery is limited in space. Travel cribs are also lightweight and foldable, making them simple to move. This makes them an excellent choice when traveling with your child or visiting friends and family since you can put the crib away in just a few minutes prior to leaving. However, the lightweight construction of cribs for travel can cause less durable construction than standard cribs and could pose a concern for some parents. 3. Style Look for a crib with distinctive design if want it to stand out. You can find one with sleek, minimalist designs or one that is made of a material like bamboo or glass, and has clear sides for easy visibility. They are generally more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however they can be a stunning accent piece for any nursery. Some cribs have an older-fashioned style with beautiful curves and moldings, reminiscent of antique furniture. They can also be intricate and are often handcrafted with stunning details. These are excellent options if you're looking for the perfect crib that will be an important family heirloom in the future. They can also be paired with any design. A Scandinavian crib is another popular style. It has straight, smooth lines and an ethereal, bare-wood look. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. They're great for modern or contemporary nursery, and you can paint them or leave them unpainted to complement your decor. These cribs can also be used as a changing table, making it easier to change your baby. This is especially important for infants who are young and have trouble sitting up. They typically have drawers beneath to store diapers, wipes and other essentials. Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as a canopy. They can bring a touch of class to any nursery and are a fantastic option to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. Make sure to choose a fabric that is not too long and firmly 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 can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed is a fantastic investment for any family. This feature allows you to save money since you don't have to purchase four separate beds as your child gets older, and also saves 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 shopping for a crib is that many cribs have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This allows you to customize your crib's look and functionality. It's especially beneficial when your nursery is limited in storage space. Some cribs have wheels which can be extremely useful when you need 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 strict safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models have an elegant or contemporary design that will suit different styles of nursery décor. Some cribs are made from wood, while others may be constructed from metal or painted stainless steel. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD-certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins leach into the environment. It will require some time and research to choose the best convertible crib for your nursery. But, it's one that will last for many years to come. Take your time when evaluating your options and be sure to evaluate prices, delivery and setup times and other factors to make the best choice for your family. 5. Value The crib is a huge piece of furniture that can make a significant impact on the design and feel of your baby's nursery. It is important to choose the crib that is in line with your style or will go well with your room 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 will continue to be useful and provide you with the long-term benefits. They are also less costly than full-size bed and can be given or sold to a relative after your child no longer has need of. Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain since the majority of the components are easily removed and cleaned, and most come with an adapter kit that makes it easy to transform them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs are extremely robust and can withstand the stress of regular use, with some even lasting through several children. Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring mattresses, making them easier to move when changing sheets or altering mattress height. They can wear out faster and need to be replaced sooner than innerspring mattress. Hybrid crib mattresses, also known as dual firm or two-stage mattresses are made to be used by infants and toddlers. best crib newborn is gentler for infants while the other side is firmer for toddlers. They're generally more secure than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable for older babies who don't like the sagging feel of foam. These mattresses are often cheaper than innerspring alternatives.