Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated baby's sleeping space to reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular sleep routine. Cribs also provide more flexibility than other options like bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern style or a more traditional style Make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure that it adheres to the highest standards of safety and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Then consider other features to find the perfect crib for your family.
1. Safety
As parents you are responsible for the safety of your child is your top concern. You want your baby to rest peacefully in a safe environment and free of dangers like sharp edges or splinters. Select recommended cribs that is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacings less than 2 3/8 inches to prevent your baby's legs, arms, or head from being trapped and an appropriate mattress that is well-made and comfortable without drop sides; a solid crib with no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. Avoid bells and whistles, such as bumper streams or pads, as they could cause strangulation for your baby.
Look for cribs with low-VOC paint, a safer option in comparison to conventional glues or varnishes which release harmful chemicals. In addition, you should search for a mattress that is made with non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Choose a crib without any decorative embellishments or cutouts. They could cause injuries should your child pick them up, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure that the mattress cover fits tightly to the frame of the crib, and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame. Avoid placing blankets, pillows or sheepskins or similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. They can increase your baby’s risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also pose a risk, since they could be pulled down onto the baby and cause the baby to suffocate. Ideally, you should avoid using a mobile at all costs and opt for a more breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for the health of your baby and lets you supervise them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most important things your baby needs is a safe place to sleep. Cribs offer a comfortable place for your baby to rest, which will be particularly helpful when you're busy with other household chores or activities.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or at a home goods store. These types of establishments must follow strict guidelines established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are typically the best place to start your search for a high-quality crib. You'll need to take into consideration several factors before you buy a crib.
Cribs are a great option for infants, newborns and toddlers, providing an inviting sleeping space that will last well beyond their initial years of life. Many cribs come with convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into an infant bed or a full-sized bed. This will help you save money on your purchase and extend its life.
The small size of cribs makes them perfect for small spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models include the option of a changing table, which can be useful if your nursery is limited in space.
Travel cribs offer a similar level of convenience, as they're designed to be light and foldable for easy transport. This makes them an excellent option for traveling with your child, or when visiting family and friends because you can easily take the crib down within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. However, the light construction of travel cribs can also result in less robust construction than standard models, which may be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
Look for a crib with a unique design if you want it to stand out. You can find a crib with a minimalist, sleek design or constructed from a material such as glass or bamboo. It may also feature transparent sides for easy access to. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can be a beautiful focal piece in any nursery.
Other cribs have an older style with elegant curves and moldings, as well as an appearance that reminds of heirloom pieces. They can also be extravagant and are usually hand-crafted with gorgeous details. These are excellent options for a crib that can become an integral piece of furniture in the course of time and can be paired with any theme.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular design. It is characterized by smooth, straight lines with an ethereal, bare-wood look. This lets the natural beauty of the wood to be seen. These cribs are perfect for an modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood bare 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 cribs come with drawers for storing wipes, diapers and other necessities.
Some cribs have curved sides or designs that can be used as an umbrella. These can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are an excellent way to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. Be sure to use fabric that is not too long and that 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 can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed is a fantastic investment for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds over the development of your child as well as save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs are equipped with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it easy to use them when required.
Another aspect to be aware of when you're looking for cribs is that a lot of cribs come with additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This lets you alter the look and functionality of your crib, and could be particularly useful in the case of a small or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels, which can be extremely helpful when you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally constructed with durable non-toxic, non-toxic materials which are safe for your baby and comply with the strict safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature a contemporary or classic design that can be adapted to a wide selection of nursery décor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, whereas others can be constructed from metal or painted stainless steel. Certain brands are committed to sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This assures that harmful toxins do not leach into the environment.
It will take some time and effort to choose the best convertible crib for you nursery. However, it is an investment that will last for years to come. Take your time when evaluating your options and be sure to look at prices, delivery costs, the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the right choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a huge piece of furniture that will make a significant impact on the appearance and feel of the nursery of your baby. Because of that, choosing one that matches your preference in style or one that works well with the other decor elements in your room can make a significant impact on how you feel about the nursery as you spend time there.
Similar to cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds increase their value as your child grows, giving you value over the long term. They are also typically less expensive than full-size beds and are able to be sold or given to a family member when your child no longer needs them.
Convertible cribs are also easily maintained since the majority of parts can be removed, cleaned, and a lot have a conversion set that makes it easy to convert them into the right size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are durable. Some even last through many children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives and are easier to maneuver when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress's height. However, they can wear out more quickly and need replacement earlier than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called two-stage or dual firm) are designed to be used from beginning to toddlerhood, having a side that's softer for infants and a more firm side for toddlers. They are generally safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older children who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They are also typically cheaper than innerspring alternatives.