10 Cribs Tricks All Experts Recommend
Choosing Cribs For Your Baby's Nursery
Cribs provide infants with a dedicated sleep space to decrease the chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and helps to establish a consistent routine of sleeping. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options, including bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern design or a more traditional design, make sure it's GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure it meets the highest safety standards and reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Then consider cot sets to determine the ideal crib for your family.
1. Safety
As parents, the safety of your child is a top priority. You want your baby to rest peacefully in a safe environment that is free of dangers such as sharp edges or splinters. It is essential to select a crib that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) strict standards.
There are a variety of things to look for, including slat spacing that isn't more than 2 3/8 inch so your baby's legs and arms aren't entangled. Also a mattress that is a firm and snug fit with no drop sides; stable cribs with no wobbling parts and a clear instruction on assembly. Beware of any bells or whistles, such as bumper pads or streamers that could strangle your baby.
Look for a crib that has been coated with low-VOC paints, a safer alternative to traditional glues and varnishes which release harmful chemicals into the air. Choose mattresses made of non-toxic materials like organic foam and cotton.
Select a crib that does not have decorative embellishments or cutouts. They can cause injury should your child pick them up, or gets their fingers stuck in them. Make sure the mattress cover fits tightly to the crib frame and that there aren't any gaps between the mattress frame and the mattress. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or sheepskins or similar stuffed animals to pillows in the crib. They can increase the risk of your baby's SIDS. Mobiles can also pose dangerous, as they can be pulled towards the baby and cause them to collapse. You should choose a crib mattress made of mesh that is breathable rather than a mobile. This is healthier for the health of your baby and lets you watch over them while they sleep.
2. Convenience
A safe place for your baby to sleep is one of the most important things you'll need. Cribs provide a convenient spot for your little one to rest, which can be particularly useful when you're juggling other household chores or activities.
You can find cribs at your local nursery or at the home goods store. These types of establishments have to adhere to strict guidelines 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're planning to purchase a crib for your home, there are many things to consider prior to purchasing.
Cribs provide a comfortable sleeping space for infants, toddlers and babies that last well beyond the initial months of life. Many cribs come with convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into an infant bed or a full-sized bed. This will save you money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
The compact size of cribs makes them perfect for smaller spaces like apartments or lofts. Some models also come with changing stations that can be helpful if you have limited room in your nursery.
Travel cribs offer the same level of comfort, since they're designed to be lightweight and easily foldable for transport. They are a great choice for traveling with your baby or visiting friends and family because they are easy to pack into a suitcase before you leave. The lightweight construction can also make for a less sturdy crib than the standard ones. This might be a cause of concern for some parents.
3. Style
If you're looking for a crib that can make a statement in a room, look for a model with a unique style. You can find a crib with sleek, minimalist style or made of a material such as glass or bamboo. great crib may also feature transparent sides for easy observation. They tend to be more expensive than solid wood versions however, they can make an attractive centerpiece to any nursery.
Some cribs feature an older style with elegant curves and moldings, as well as an appearance that reminds of heirloom pieces. They can also be extravagant and are usually hand-crafted with gorgeous details. These are excellent options for a crib that can become a favorite piece of furniture for your family over time and can be paired with any style.
A Scandinavian crib is another popular style. It features straight lines that are smooth and straight with the light, bare-wood finish. This lets the natural beauty the wood to shine through. These cribs are ideal for a modern or contemporary nursery. You can paint them or leave them unfinished to fit in with your decor.
These cribs can be used as a changing table making it easier to change your baby. This is particularly true for infants who are young and may have trouble sitting up. These models typically come with drawers underneath to store diapers, wipes and other essentials.
Some cribs are curving or have designs on the side that can be used to create an illusion of a canopy. These can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are an excellent method to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. However, be sure that the fabric you choose isn't too long, or that it is securely fixed to the crib. This will prevent your child from reaching out to grab the fabric or pulling it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that transforms into a toddler bed, daybed and full-size bed is an excellent investment for any family. This feature lets you save money by not having to buy four beds as your child gets older, and it also helps to save space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs come with conversion kits that store easily, making them simple to put together and use at any time.
When you are looking for a crib for your child, bear in mind that many models have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This lets you modify the appearance and function of your crib, and can be particularly beneficial in the case of the smallest or most limited amount of storage space in your nursery. Some cribs even have wheels that can be incredibly useful when you need to move the bed around for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs typically are constructed from durable, non-toxic material that is safe for your baby. They also meet the rigorous safety standards set by CPSC and ASTM. Many models also have modern or classic designs that will fit into a broad variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are constructed from wood, while others are fabricated from steel or painted. Some brands are committed environmental sustainability, and offer eco-friendly cribs that are made from GREENGUARD certified wood. This ensures that harmful toxins are not absorbed into the surrounding environment.
Choosing the best convertible crib for your baby requires some thought and research however, it's an important decision that will be used for many years to come. Take your time when evaluating your options and make sure you compare prices, delivery and setup times and other factors to make the best choice 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 design and feel of the space. This is why choosing one that matches your preferred style or that will work well with the other decor elements in your room can make a significant difference in how you feel about the nursery when you are there.
As your child gets older cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or daybeds will continue to be useful, giving you a long-term benefit. They are also less costly than full-size bed and can be lent or sold to a relative when your child no longer has need of.
Convertible cribs can also be easily maintained since the majority of parts can be removed, cleaned, and many come with a conversion set which makes it simple to transform them into the ideal size bed for your child. Wood cribs are incredibly sturdy and can withstand rigors of frequent use, with some lasting for a number of years.
Foam crib mattresses are lighter than innerspring mattresses which makes them more convenient to move around when changing sheets or adjusting the mattress height. They are more likely to wear out and need replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called dual firm) are designed to be used from the beginning of toddlerhood, with a side that's softer for infants, and a firmer side for toddlers. They are usually more secure than foam mattresses and may be more comfortable for older children who don't like the sagging feel of foam. They're typically cheaper than innerspring alternatives.