7 Practical Tips For Making The Most Out Of Your Cribs
Choosing Cribs For Your Baby’s Nursery
Cribs offer a designated sleeping space for Cots4tots infants to reduce the risk Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It also helps to establish a regular sleep routine. Cribs also have more flexibility than other options like bassinets.
If you decide to go with a modern style or a more traditional design Make sure it’s GREENGUARD Gold certified to ensure that it adheres to the highest standards of safety and minimizes exposure to toxic chemicals. Consider other features when choosing the crib that is right for your family.
1. Safety
As a parent you are responsible for the safety of your baby is of paramount importance. You want your child to sleep peacefully in a secure environment that is free of dangers such as 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 head, arms or legs from becoming caught; an appropriate mattress that is comfortable and firm without drop sides; a sturdy crib that is not prone to wobbling and clear assembly instructions. Beware of any bells or whistles like bumper pads or streamers that can strangle your baby.
Choose a crib that is painted with low-VOC paints that is a safer choice to traditional varnishes and glues which release harmful chemicals into the air. Also, look for a mattress made with non-toxic materials, such as cotton and organic foam.
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. Also, make sure that the mattress cover is secure and securely attached to the frame of your crib, and that there are no gaps between the frame and the mattress. Also, you should avoid putting pillows, quilts, comforters and sheepskins, as well as pillow-like stuffed toys in the crib, since they could increase the risk of your baby’s SIDS. Mobiles can also be a danger, since they could be pushed down on the baby, causing death. Ideally, you should avoid a mobile completely and opt for a breathable mesh crib mobile instead. This is better for your baby’s health as well as allow you to keep an eye on your little one while they sleep.
2. Convenience
One of the most crucial things your baby will require is a safe place to sleep. Cribs provide a convenient spot for your little one to rest, which can be particularly useful 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 establishments must abide by strict guidelines set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They are the best location to start your search for a high-quality crib. You’ll need to consider a variety of aspects before purchasing a crib.
Cribs provide a comfy sleeping space for infants, toddlers and newborns that will last well beyond the first few months of life. Many cribs have convertible features that allow you to convert the crib into the size of a toddler bed or full-size bed. This will help you save money on your purchase and prolong its lifespan.
Another convenience factor of cribs is their small footprint that makes them suitable for smaller spaces like lofts or apartments. Some cribs also have a changing station that is a great option in the event that you are limited on space in your nursery.
Travel cribs are also light and foldable, making them simple to transport. This makes them an excellent option when you’re traveling with your child or visiting family and friends since you can take the crib down in a few minutes before leaving. However, the light construction of cribs for travel can lead to less sturdy construction than standard cribs which could be a concern for some parents.
3. Style
If you’re looking for a crib that can stand out in a room choose a crib with unique styling. You can find one that features sleek, minimalist designs or one that is made of a material such as bamboo or glass, and features clear sides for easy visibility. They are generally more expensive than solid wood alternatives, however they can be a stunning focal piece in any nursery.
Some cribs have an older-fashioned style with graceful curves and molding, reminiscent of heirloom furniture. They can also be intricate and are often handcrafted with gorgeous details. They are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a crib that can become a family heirloom over time. They also work well with any design.
Another popular style is a Scandinavian-style crib that has smooth straight lines and a light, unfinished wood finish that lets its natural beauty to shine through. They’re great to any modern or contemporary nursery and you can easily paint them or leave them unpainted to match your decor.
Cribs that combine the function of a changing table can make it easier to change your baby, especially when they’re young and aren’t able to sit on their own. These types of cribs usually have drawers underneath to store wipes, diapers and other essentials.
Some cribs have curves or designs that can be used as a canopy. They can provide a touch of luxury to any nursery and are a fantastic way to keep your baby cool and comfortable as they sleep. Be sure to use fabrics that aren’t too long and is firmly attached to your crib. This will ensure your child doesn’t reach out to grab the fabric and pull it down.
4. Convertibility
A crib that can be converted into a toddler’s crib, a daybed or a full-size bed can be extremely useful for any family. This feature allows you to save money since you don’t have to buy four beds as your child grows, and also saves space in the nursery. Many convertible cribs are equipped with easy-to-store conversion kits, making it simple to utilize them as required.
Another aspect to be aware of while shopping for cribs is that a lot of models have additional features, like adjustable mattress heights or drawers. This lets you customize the appearance and function of your crib. This is particularly useful when your nursery is limited in storage space. Some cribs are equipped with wheels, which can be incredibly useful if you have to move the bed for cleaning or other reasons.
Convertible cribs are usually constructed with sturdy non-toxic materials that are safe for your baby. They also meet the stringent safety standards established by the CPSC and ASTM. A lot of cribs also feature an elegant or contemporary design that can be adapted to a wide variety of nursery decor. Some cribs are crafted from wood, while others are fabricated out of steel or painted. Certain brands are even committed to sustainability and offer eco-friendly cribs made of GREENGUARD GOLD certified wood, which guarantees that no harmful toxins leach into the environment.
It takes some research and thought to select the ideal convertible crib for your nursery. However, it is one that will last for many years. Consider your options and evaluate the prices and delivery times as well as other aspects before making a decision.
5. Value
The crib is a massive piece of furniture that can have a major impact on the design and feel of your baby’s nursery. Therefore, selecting one that matches your preferred style or one that works well with the other decor elements in your room will make a big impact on how you feel about the nursery when you spend time there.
As your child grows older, cribs designed to convert into daybeds or toddler beds are still useful, giving you a long-term benefit. 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 are also easily maintained, as most components can be removed and cleaned, and many have a conversion set which makes it simple to convert them into the right size bed for your child. Wood cribs can withstand frequent use and are robust. Some even last many children.
Foam crib mattresses can be lighter than innerspring options which makes them more convenient to move around when changing sheets or adjusting mattress height. However, they may be more worn out and require a replacement sooner than innerspring mattresses.
Hybrid crib mattresses (also called 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. They’re generally more secure than foam mattresses and are more comfortable for older babies who don’t like the sagging feel of foam. These mattresses are often more affordable than innerspring alternatives.