Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer a designated sleeping space for infants to reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also provide more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
Whether you go for a modern design or a traditional style, be sure to check if it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure it satisfies the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. Consider other features to determine the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, the safety of your baby is of paramount importance. You want your child to sleep peacefully in a secure environment, free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
This includes slat spacing that is no wider than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's head, arms or legs from becoming stuck and an appropriate mattress that is well-made and comfortable with no drop sides; a sturdy crib that has no wobbling parts and clear instructions for assembly. Avoid bells and whistles, like bumper pads or streamers, which could cause strangulation for your baby.
Look for a crib coated with low-VOC paints, a safer alternative to traditional glues and varnishes that emit harmful chemicals into the air. Similarly, search for a mattress that is made using non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Also, select a crib that is free of decorative embellishments and cutouts, which could be a risk of injury when your child is able to grab them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. Check that the mattress cover is tightly fitted to the crib frame and that there aren't gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Also, you should avoid putting pillows comforters, quilts, sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib because they can increase your baby's risk of SIDS. Mobiles are also risky, since they can be pulled down on the baby, causing them to suffocate. You should choose an infant crib with a mesh structure that is breathable instead of mobiles. This is better for the health of your baby and allows you to watch over them while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most important things your baby needs is a safe place to sleep. Cribs provide a convenient spot for your baby to rest, which will be particularly helpful when you're busy tending to other household chores or other activities.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or at the home goods store. These kinds of establishments must comply with strict regulations established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are typically the best place to begin your search for a high-quality crib. If you want to buy a crib for your home, there are several factors to take into consideration before making your purchase.
Cribs provide a comfy sleeping area for toddlers, infants and newborns that last beyond their first few months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible 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 the life of your crib.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their small footprint which makes them ideal for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some cribs also have an area for changing which could be useful in the event that you are limited on space in your nursery.
Travel cribs offer a similar level of convenience, as they're designed to be lightweight and foldable to make it easy to transport. They are a great choice for taking your baby on a trip or visiting family and friends because they are easy to pack into a suitcase before you leave. However, the lightweight design of travel cribs may cause less durable construction than standard models which could be an issue for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can stand out in a room, look for a model that has a distinctive style. You can find a crib with sleek, minimalist style or made of a material such as bamboo or glass. It may also have clear sides to allow for easy observation. They tend to be more expensive than their solid wood counterparts, but they can add a beautiful centerpiece to any nursery.
Other cribs feature a more traditional look with beautiful curves and molding, which is reminiscent of furniture from the past. They can be extremely extravagant, and are typically handcrafted with beautiful details. These are excellent options to consider if you're in search of a crib that can become a family heirloom over time. They can also be paired with any design.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular style. It has straight lines that are smooth and straight with an ethereal, bare-wood look. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. They're an excellent fit for modern or contemporary nursery and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
These cribs can also be used as a changing table making it easier to change your child. This is especially important for infants who are young and have trouble sitting up. These models typically have drawers beneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs have curved sides or designs that can be used as a canopy. They can add a touch of elegant to any nursery and will keep your baby comfortable and cool as they sleep. Make sure you use a fabrics that aren't too long and that is tightly anchored to your crib. This will ensure that your child can't reach out and grab the fabric and pull it back.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts into a toddler's bed an adult daybed or a large bed can be incredibly useful for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds during your child's development and also save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with conversion kits that store easily, making them easy to assemble and use when the time comes.
When you are looking for a crib for your child, bear in mind that a lot of cribs have additional features, such as adjustable heights for the mattress or drawers. This allows you to alter the look and functionality of your crib. This is particularly useful when your nursery is limited in storage space. Some cribs have wheels that can be extremely helpful if you want to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made from sturdy non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the rigorous safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have modern or classic designs that can be adapted to a variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, while others may be made from metal or painted stainless steel. Certain brands are even committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs utilizing GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which ensures that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.
Choosing the best convertible crib for your nursery will take some thought and research however, it's an important decision that will last for years to come. Look at your options and compare the prices and delivery times as well as other aspects before deciding.
5. Value
The crib is a large piece of furniture that can make a significant impact on the design and feel of your baby's nursery. It is important to choose a crib that matches 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 grows older cribs that can be converted into daybeds or toddler beds are still useful, giving you the long-term benefits. They are also less costly than a full-size beds and can be donated or sold to a family member when your child no longer has need of.
Convertible cribs can be easily maintained, since most parts can be taken off and cleaned, and a lot have a conversion set which makes it simple to transform them into the perfect size bed for your child. Wood cribs are especially robust and can withstand the demands of daily use, with some even lasting through several children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring options and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress's height. They may wear out faster and need to be replaced sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning to toddlerhood, having a side that's softer for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. cots to tots are usually more secure than foam mattresses, and may be more comfortable to older babies who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They're also generally cheaper than innerspring alternatives.