10 Things That Everyone Is Misinformed About The Word "Cribs"
Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
A crib offers a dedicated baby's sleeping space to decrease 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 a modern style or a more traditional design, make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure it is in compliance with the highest safety standards and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Be aware of other aspects when selecting the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent, your baby's security is of the utmost importance. You want your child to rest comfortably in a safe environment free of dangers, like sharp edges or splinters. It's important to choose a crib that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) rigorous standards.
There are many things to consider such as slat spacing that isn't more than 2 3/8 inch so your baby's arms or legs aren't entangled. Also a mattress that is an incredibly firm and comfortable fit; no drop sides; stable cribs without wobbling parts and detailed instructions on assembly. Also, avoid bells and whistles, such as bumper streams or pads, as they could cause strangulation for your baby.
Choose a crib coated with low-VOC paints which is a safer alternative to traditional varnishes and glues that emit harmful chemicals into the air. Also, search for a mattress that is made with non-toxic materials, such as organic cotton and foam.
Pick a crib with no ornaments or cutouts. They could cause injuries if your child grabs them or gets their fingers stuck in them. Check that the mattress cover is securely attached to the crib frame and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame. Avoid placing blankets, pillows or sheepskins or pillow-like stuffed animals in the crib. They can increase your baby’s risk of SIDS. Mobiles are also a danger, as they can be pulled down on the baby and cause them to choke. In the ideal scenario, you should stay clear of a mobile completely and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is healthier for the health of your baby and lets you monitor them as they sleep.
2. Convenience
A secure space for your baby to rest is one of the most important things you'll need. Cribs provide a convenient spot for your little one to rest, which will be particularly helpful when you're busy with other household chores or activities.
You'll likely find cribs in your local nursery or home goods store. These establishments must abide by strict guidelines laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best place to begin your search for a quality crib. You'll need be aware of a number of aspects before purchasing the crib.
Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that will last well beyond the first few months of life. Many models feature convertible features that allow you to convert cribs into toddler beds or full size beds, which can reduce your costs and prolong the life of your crib purchase.
The small size of cribs makes them ideal for small spaces like lofts or apartments. Some models come with the option of a changing table, which is beneficial if your nursery is limited in space.
Travel cribs provide a similar level of convenience, as they're designed to be light and foldable to make it easy to transport. They're an excellent choice to travel with your baby or visiting relatives and friends, as they are easy to pack up before you leave. However, the lightweight design of travel cribs can also cause less durable construction than standard models, which may be a concern for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can stand out in a space, look for a model with a unique style. There are cribs with an elegant, minimalist design or constructed from a material such as bamboo or glass. It may also feature clear sides that allow for easy access to. They are usually more expensive than their solid wood counterparts however they can be a beautiful focal point to any nursery.
Some cribs have a more traditional look with beautiful curves and molding, reminiscent of antique furniture. They can also be quite intricate and are often handcrafted with stunning details. These are excellent options when you are looking for an item that will be a favorite piece of family furniture over time and can be paired with any theme.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian-style crib with sleek straight lines and a light, unfinished wood finish that allows its natural beauty to shine through. These cribs are ideal for a modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave the wood unfinished to fit in with your decor.
Cribs that can serve as a combination of a changing table could help you change your baby, particularly when they're young and aren't able to sit on their own. These types of cribs typically have drawers beneath to store diapers, wipes and other necessities.
Some cribs are bent or have designs on the sides which can be used to create a canopy effect. These can add a touch elegant to any nursery and help keep your baby comfy and cool as they sleep. However, be sure that the fabric you choose is not too long or that it's firmly attached to the crib. This will ensure your child isn't able to reach out and grab the fabric and pull it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed is an excellent investment for any family. This feature will help you save money by not purchasing four separate beds over your child's growth and will also free up space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to use them when needed.
Another thing to keep in mind when you're looking for cribs is that a lot of cribs have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights and drawers. This allows you to customize the appearance and function of your crib. This is particularly useful in the case of a nursery with limited storage space. Some cribs even have wheels which can be extremely useful when you need to move the bed around to clean or for other reasons.
Convertible cribs are generally constructed with sturdy, non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby and comply with the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. Many cribs have modern or classic designs that can be adapted to different styles of nursery décor. Some cribs are constructed of wood, while others may be constructed of metal or painted stainless steel. Certain brands are also committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs utilizing GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins are released into the environment.
It takes some research and thought to choose the most suitable convertible crib for your nursery. But, it's an investment that will last for many years to come. Take your time when evaluating your options and make sure you look at prices, delivery costs, the time of setup, as well as other factors to make the best choice for your family.
5. Value
The crib is the biggest piece of furniture in your baby's nursery and has a major impact on the overall appearance and feel of the space. This is why choosing one that is in line with your preferred style or that will work well with the rest of your room decor will make a big impact on how you feel about the nursery as you spend time there.
In the same way, cribs designed to be converted into toddler beds or daybeds can be used as your child grows, providing you value over the long term. They are also less expensive than a traditional beds and can be donated or sold to a friend when your child is no longer in need.
Convertible cribs can be easily maintained since the majority of components can be removed and cleaned, and many have a conversion kit which makes it simple to convert them into the right size bed for your baby. Wood cribs are extremely durable and can withstand the demands of daily use, with some last through multiple children.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring mattresses which makes them more convenient to move when changing sheets or altering mattress height. However, Baby Cot can wear out more quickly and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also known as dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning to toddlerhood, having one side that is softer for infants and a more firm side for toddlers. They're generally safer than foam mattresses, and are more comfortable for older infants who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They're typically more affordable than innerspring alternatives.