10 Cribs Tricks Experts Recommend
Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer a designated baby's sleeping space to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also promotes a consistent sleep routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, such as bassinets.
If you decide to go with modern or traditional one, make sure to check if it's certified by GreenGuard Gold to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to harmful chemicals. Take into consideration other aspects when choosing the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As parents to a child, the safety of your baby is a top priority. You want your child to sleep at ease in a space free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. Select a crib that is in compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacing not more than 2 3/8 inches, to avoid your baby's legs, arms or head from getting caught; mattresses that are well-made and comfortable with no drop sides; a sturdy crib with no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. You should also avoid bells and whistles, such as bumper streams or pads, as they can present a strangulation risk for your baby.
Look for a crib that is painted with low-VOC paint that is a safer choice to traditional glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. Look for mattresses made from non-toxic materials such as organic foam and cotton.
Pick a crib with no decorative ornaments or cutouts. They could cause injuries when your child grabs them or gets their fingers stuck in them. Check that the mattress cover is securely attached to the frame of the crib, and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or sheepskins, as well as similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. They can increase the risk for your baby to develop SIDS. Mobiles can also be a danger, as they can be pulled towards the baby and cause them to suffocate. You should opt for a mesh crib mobile that is breathable rather than a mobile. This is better for your baby's health and allow you to keep an eye on your child while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure space for your baby's sleep is among the most essential things you'll require. Cribs are a great place for your baby to rest especially when you are engaged in other household chores.
You'll likely find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These kinds of establishments must comply with strict regulations set forth by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and are typically the best place to start your search for a top quality crib. You'll have to take into consideration several aspects prior to purchasing a crib.
Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that will last well beyond the first few months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible that allow you to convert the crib into an infant bed or a full-size bed. This can save you money on your purchase and extend the life of your crib.
Another advantage of cribs is their compact footprint which makes them ideal for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some models also include an area for changing which is a great option when you have a small space in your nursery.
They are also lightweight and foldable, making them easy to carry around. This makes them an excellent option for traveling with your child, or when visiting friends and family, as you can easily put the crib away within a matter of minutes prior to leaving. However, the light construction of cribs for travel can cause less durable construction than standard models which could be a problem for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can stand out in a space choose a crib that has a distinctive style. You can find one that features sleek, minimalist designs or one that is made of a material such as glass or bamboo and has clear sides for a better visibility. cots to tots tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however, they can be a beautiful focal piece in any nursery.
Other cribs offer a more traditional look with graceful curves and molding, reminiscent of furniture from the past. They can also be quite extravagant and are usually hand-crafted with beautiful details. They are a great option if you're looking for an infant crib that will become an heirloom for your family over time. They can also go well with any design.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular design. It has straight, smooth lines and a light, bare-wood finish. This lets the natural beauty the wood to be seen. These cribs are great for a modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood bare to complement your decor.
Cribs that combine the function of a changing table can help you change your baby, especially when they're younger and have trouble sitting up on their own. These types of cribs typically come with drawers underneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the sides that can be used to create an illusion of a canopy. These can add a touch elegant to any nursery and keep your baby comfortable and cool during their sleep. However, be sure that the fabric you choose to use is not too long or that it's firmly fixed to the crib. This will ensure that your child doesn't reach out to grab the fabric and pull it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed or full-size beds is a great investment for any family. This feature will save you money from purchasing four separate beds over your child's development as well as save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs also come with conversion kits that store easily, making them simple to assemble and use at any time.
Another important thing to consider while shopping for a crib is that many cribs have additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This allows you to alter the look and functionality of your crib, and could be particularly useful when you have a small or limited amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels that can be incredibly useful if you have to move the bed to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs are typically made with durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and meet stringent safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have modern or classic designs that will suit a variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are crafted from wood, while others are fabricated from steel or painted. Certain brands are committed to sustainable development, offering eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD certified wood. This assures that harmful toxins are not released into the environment.
The best convertible crib for your baby will take some thought and research, but it is an important choice that could last for a long time. Take your time when evaluating your options and make sure you evaluate prices, delivery and setup times and other factors to make the best decision for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the largest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and has a big impact on the overall appearance and feel of the space. Because of that, choosing one that matches your preferred style or one that works well with the other decor elements in your room will make a big difference in how you feel about the nursery as you are there.
Similar to cribs that are designed to transform into daybeds or toddler beds increase their value as your child grows, giving you value over the long term. They're also generally less costly than full-size beds, and are able to be sold or given to a friend when your child no longer requires them.
Convertible cribs are also easy to maintain, as the majority of the components can be cleaned and removed, and most have an adapter kit that makes it easy to transform them into the appropriate size bed for your child. Wood cribs are incredibly robust and can withstand the rigors of frequent use, with some lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring alternatives and are therefore easier to maneuver when changing sheets or altering the mattress's height. However, they can be more worn out and need replacement earlier 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 is firmer for toddlers. They're typically safer than foam mattresses, and can be more comfortable for older infants who dislike the sagging sensation of foam. These mattresses are also often cheaper than innerspring alternatives.