Choosing crib sets For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs offer a designated baby's sleeping space to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular sleep routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, including bassinets.
Whether you choose a contemporary 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 minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Consider other features to determine the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, the safety of your baby is your top concern. You want your baby to rest peacefully in a safe environment, free of hazards like sharp edges or splinters. Choose a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
These include slat spacing less than 2 3/8 inches to avoid your baby's legs, arms or head from getting caught; a mattress that is comfortable and firm with no drop sides; a stable crib that has no wobbling parts; and detailed assembly instructions. You should also avoid bells and whistles, for example bumper pads or streamers, which can present a strangulation risk for your baby.
Find a crib that has been 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.
Finally, pick a crib that is devoid of decorative embellishments and cutouts, which could be a risk of injury in the event that your child grasps them or gets his or her fingers stuck in them. It is also important to ensure that the mattress cover is secure and tightly 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, sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib, as these can increase the risk of SIDS. Mobiles can also be a danger, since they could be tipped over onto the baby, causing death. It is recommended to avoid a mobile completely and choose a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for your baby's health as well as let you keep an eye on your little one as they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most important things your baby will need is a secure place to sleep. Cribs are a wonderful place for your baby to rest, especially when you are busy with other household chores.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or home goods store. These establishments must abide by strict guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the ideal place to start your search for a top-quality crib. If you're looking to purchase a crib for your home, there are a few factors to take into consideration before making your purchase.
Cribs offer a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and babies that last well beyond the initial months of life. A lot of cribs are convertible which allow you to transform the crib into a toddler bed or a full-size bed. This will save you money on your purchase and extend its life.
The compact size of cribs makes them ideal for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models include the option of a changing table, which can be useful if your nursery space is limited in space.
Travel cribs are also light and foldable, making them simple to transport. This makes them a great option for traveling with your child or visiting family and friends because you can easily put the crib away in a few minutes before leaving. However, the light construction of travel cribs may result in less robust construction than standard cribs, which may be a concern for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can stand out in a space choose a crib with a unique style. You may find one that features sleek, minimalist designs or one that is constructed of a material like bamboo or glass and has clear sides for a better access. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood alternatives however, they can be a beautiful centerpiece in any nursery.
Other cribs offer traditional designs with graceful curves and molding, which is reminiscent of heirloom furniture. They can be extremely extravagant, and are generally made by hand with exquisite details. These are great options when you are looking for an item that will be an integral piece of furniture in the course of time and work with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is a different popular style. It features straight, smooth lines and an ethereal, bare-wood look. This allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. They're a good fit for modern or contemporary nursery and you can easily paint them or leave them as is to match your decor.
These cribs can also be used as a changing table, making it easier to change your baby. This is especially true for infants who are young and may have trouble sitting up. These models usually have drawers underneath to store wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs are bent or have designs on the side 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. Make sure you use a fabrics that are not too long and is tightly anchored to your crib. This will ensure that your child doesn't reach out to grasp the fabric and pull it back.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can convert into a toddler's bed, an adult daybed or a large bed is a great option for any family. This feature allows you to save money by not having to purchase four separate beds as your child grows and it also helps to save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to utilize them as needed.
Another important thing to consider when you're looking for cribs is that a lot of cribs come with additional features, such as adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This will allow you to alter the look and functionality of your crib, and could be especially useful in the case of only a tiny or small amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs have wheels that can be extremely helpful in case you need to move the bed around for cleaning or any other reason.
Convertible cribs typically are made of durable non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the strict safety standards established by CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature an elegant or contemporary design that can be adapted to a wide range of nursery decor. Some cribs are made of wood as well as others made from metal or painted steel. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and provide eco-friendly cribs utilizing GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.
It will require some time and effort to choose the most suitable convertible crib for your nursery. But, it's one that will last for years. Be sure to consider your options carefully and be sure to look at prices, delivery costs, time to set up, among other things to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is a massive piece of furniture that can have a major impact on the appearance and feel of the nursery of your baby. This is why choosing one that is in line with 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 spend time there.
Similarly, cribs that are designed to be converted into daybeds or toddler beds can be used as your child grows, giving you long-term value. They are also less expensive than a full-size bed and can be given or sold to a friend when your child is no longer in need of.
Convertible cribs are also simple to maintain since the majority of the components can be removed and cleaned and the majority have an conversion kit that makes it easier to transform them into the proper size bed for your child. Wood cribs are extremely sturdy and can withstand stress of regular use, with some even lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses are less heavy than innerspring mattresses and are therefore more maneuverable when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. They can wear out faster and need replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses, also known as dual firm or two-stage mattresses, are designed to be used by infants and toddlers. One side is soft for infants while the other is firmer for toddlers. They are usually safer than foam mattresses, and may be more comfortable to older children who don't like the sagging feeling of foam. These mattresses are also often more affordable than innerspring options.