10 Healthy Habits For Cribs
Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide infants with an exclusive sleeping space to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also provide more flexibility than other options such as 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 is in compliance with the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Also, consider other features to find the crib that's right for your family.
1. Safety
As parents to a child, the safety of your child is your top concern. You want your child to rest peacefully in an environment free of dangers, like sharp edges or splinters. It is essential to select a crib that is in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) strict standards.
These include slat spacing not more than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's legs, arms, or head from becoming trapped in the mattress; a mattress that is firm and snug-fitting; no drop sides; a solid crib that has no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. Avoid any bells and whistles, such as bumper pads and streamers which could strangle your baby.
Look for cribs painted with low-VOC varnish, which is which is a safer alternative in comparison to conventional glues or varnishes that release harmful chemicals. Similarly, consider a mattress constructed of non-toxic materials such as organic cotton and foam.
Also, select a crib free of decorative ornaments and cutouts that could cause injury if your baby is able to grab them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. Also, make sure that the mattress cover is secure and tightly fit to the frame of the crib, and that there are no gaps between the frame and the mattress. Avoid placing blankets, pillows or sheepskins or similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. These could increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles are also a potential risk, since they could be pulled down onto the baby, causing suffocation. It is recommended to avoid the use of mobiles completely and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for the health of your baby and allows you to supervise them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure place for your baby to rest is among the most essential things you'll require. Cribs are a great place for your little one to rest, which will be especially useful when you're busy with other household chores or activities.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or at the home goods store. These types of establishments must comply with strict regulations that are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are usually the best place to start your search for a quality crib. cheap cot beds 'll have to consider a variety of aspects prior to purchasing a crib.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that last beyond their first few months of life. Many cribs come with convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This will help you save money on your purchase and extend the life of your crib.
The small size of cribs makes them ideal for small spaces like lofts or apartments. Some models come with a changing table, which is useful if your nursery is restricted in space.
Travel cribs provide a similar degree of convenience, since they're designed to be light and easily foldable for transport. This makes them a great option for traveling with your child or visiting family and friends because you can easily take the crib down within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. The light construction may result in a less sturdy crib than the standard ones. This might be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that will stand out in a room, look for a model with unique styling. There are cribs with an elegant, minimalist style or made of something like glass or bamboo. It may also feature clear sides to allow for easy observation. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can be a beautiful centerpiece in any nursery.
Some cribs have an older-fashioned style with elegant curves and molding, which is reminiscent of antique furniture. They can also be elaborate and are typically handcrafted with gorgeous details. They are a great option when you are looking for a crib that will become a favorite piece of furniture for your family over time and work with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular design. It is characterized by straight, smooth lines and the light, bare-wood finish. This lets the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. They're a good fit to any modern or contemporary nursery and you can easily 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 child. This is particularly true for babies who are still young and have difficulty sitting up. These models typically have drawers beneath to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs are bent or have designs on the side that can be used to create a canopy effect. These can add a touch elegance to any nursery and help keep your baby comfy and cool as they sleep. Make sure you use a fabric that is not too long and that is tightly anchored to your crib. This will ensure that your child can't reach out and grasp the fabric and pull it back.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be converted into a toddler's crib, an adult daybed or a large bed can be incredibly useful for any family. This feature allows you to save money by not having to buy four separate beds as your child grows and also saves space in the nursery. A lot of convertible cribs are also equipped with conversion kits that can be stored easily, making them easy to assemble and use at any time.
When looking for a brand new crib, keep in mind that a lot of cribs have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This will allow you to alter the look and functionality of your crib, and could be especially useful if you're working with only a tiny or limited amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels, which can be extremely helpful in case you need to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally constructed with durable, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and meet the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs feature an elegant or contemporary design that can be adapted to a variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are made from wood, whereas others can be made from metal or painted stainless steel. Some brands are even committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs that use GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which ensures that no harmful toxins leak into the environment.
The best convertible crib for your child requires some time and effort however it is an important choice that could last for a long time. Consider your options carefully 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 massive piece of furniture that will have a major impact on the design and feel of your baby's nursery. This is why 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 difference in how you feel about the nursery as you are there.
As your child ages cribs that are designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds will continue to be useful, giving you an advantage over time. They are also less expensive than a full-size beds and can be donated or sold to a friend when your child no longer has need.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain, since most of the parts are easily removed and cleaned and the majority have a conversion kit that makes it easier to convert them into the appropriate size bed for your child. Wood cribs are extremely robust and can withstand the demands of daily use, with some lasting through several children.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and can be easier to maneuver when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress's height. However, they can get worn out faster and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also referred to as dual firm or two-stage mattresses are made to be used for babies and toddlers. One side is softer for infants while the other side is more firm for toddlers. They are generally more secure than foam mattresses and can be more comfortable to older children who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They're also generally cheaper than innerspring alternatives.