10 Baby Crib-Friendly Habits To Be Healthy
Choosing a Baby Crib
It's exciting to design a nursery but picking the crib is one of the most important decisions. The crib where your baby sleeps in will have a significant impact on their development and health, whether it is the style of the slats or mattress height.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails may become loose over time. Do not place your crib near blinds or drapes hanging, as they can pose the risk of strangulation to your baby.
Size
When choosing a crib, size is an important factor. A crib should be large enough to accommodate a sleeping infant but small enough that you are able to safely reach your baby to attend to them. It should be sturdy enough to withstand the daily wear and tear.
The majority of cribs are constructed of wood or metal and have side panels that are slatted. These features let caregivers see the baby from various angles and encourage airflow. Cribs are utilized from birth until your child is approximately two years older, at which point they will need to be moved into the toddler bed.
The majority of cribs come with a mattress support height that can be adjusted or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is best for newborns. The highest setting is for babies who can sit up or crawl. Be sure to check the inside of your crib to be sure that the mattress fits as the slatted structure of most cribs may leave small gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Certain manufacturers offer cribs that are not standard and mattresses that comply with the same safety standards as standard cribs. These include play yards, portable infant beds, and bassinets. These cribs are smaller than the standard cribs and have solid or mesh sides.
If you opt for a crib that is not standard, make sure you check the manufacturer's guidelines for mattress sizes. There may be specific specifications that differ from the standard crib size of 52 inches long and 28 inches wide. Also, you should check the space between the crib mattress and the crib to make sure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the minimum safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can help keep it clean and safe from accidents or spit-up. Choose one with an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria and an anti-allergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking about buying a crib with drop sides, you should be aware that they were linked to 32 deaths of babies between 2000 and 2010, and have been outlawed in the US since 2011. If website do decide to buy or receive a crib with drop sides be sure to get rid of it once your child reaches 35 inches or can get out.
Safety
A baby crib is the most secure spot for your child. It's a place for them to rest but also a space where you can keep them close and observe them often. There are many crib models and brands available on the market. But, they all must meet certain safety standards. These standards are laid out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure cribs you purchase are safe for your baby.
Before you put your child in the crib make sure that it is clean, free of dander and dust. Remove any toys or stuffed animals that may fall out of the crib. Don't put any blankets or pillows inside the crib. They can lead to death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and mattress covers instead.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should conform to formaldehyde emissions standards set forth in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be tested for compliance. Although these requirements do not directly apply to cribs, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to demand that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood comply with this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should include the requirement to tighten fasteners after dynamic tests. We strongly disagree with this idea. The shake test as well as the vertical mattress support tests are dynamic tests that simulate and speed up abuse of cribs. Screws that are loose are the 2nd most common cause of fatal accidents in cribs.
Other comments were based on EWS incident information. These data indicate that the two most common crib dangers are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We therefore decided to focus on these issues in the new rulemaking and to include the performance standards that are already contained in the existing mandatory standard by reference. The incorporation of reference standards is the most effective way to ensure that the safety of cribs is maintained in a consistent and efficient way.
Style
The process of designing your baby's nursery can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The main focal point of any nursery is the crib, therefore it's crucial to choose a crib that is in keeping with your style and matches the room's decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist look or something more traditional, there's a wide selection of chic cribs to pick from. There are options available in every price range, from budget to high-end. Be sure that the crib you select is in compliance with all the necessary safety guidelines.
A crib is a compact, specially designed bed for babies and infants. It is constructed from sturdy materials like wood, and is fitted with slatted wall panels to allow for a safe airflow. Cribs are typically larger than bassinets and can be more expensive, however they are more functional for your child's early years.
There are a variety of crib styles that are available, however all must be in compliance with safety standards. The crib's slats for instance, should not exceed 6 centimeters (about the width of a bottle of soda) apart. You should also avoid decorative shapes or cutouts in the footboard and headboard.

Additionally, the mattress must be able to fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is because any gaps between the crib and the mattress can cause babies' arms and legs to become entangled. Some cribs come with stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. But if you have an unstabilized crib, ensure you buy a mattress pad for extra support.
A mattress that is low in height is another feature of a good crib that can help keep toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a great feature for parents with smaller children or rooms that are small in space. But, be sure to check out the mattress height before making your purchase. The majority of mattresses will have a label at the corner which shows the crib's minimum and maximum mattress heights.
If you want a crib that grows with your child, consider purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed, or even a full size bed. A few of the cribs in our list, including the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, have conversion kits included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While most cribs cost hundreds of dollars Some cribs are more affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 crib, for example, costs less than $200 and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium height profile, which makes it easy for you to get your baby in and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. This portable play and sleep option is easy to set up and folds down in a matter of minutes. It can be used indoors or out on a patio or deck. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It is not intended to be a permanent solution for sleeping because your child will grow out of the product after six months.
You can also find affordable bassinets and cradles can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby safe and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also more compact and easy to move around. However, they are only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby is likely to outgrow them before the first birthday.
A good crib should have a sturdy, secure mattress support that can be adjusted to four different positions, depending on your baby's growth. It must also be low enough to let you reach into and out easily, particularly if you are under 5'5 inches. Some cribs have posts that extend over 1 8 inch above the mattress opening which can cause your baby to get trapped when they play or climb.
Some cribs have an attached changing area which can make diapering a bit easier and faster. They are handy however they take up more space than traditional cribs. They may not be a good choice for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials that the crib is made from. Many cribs are made of particleboard which contains formaldehyde. Instead, choose a crib that is made of solid wood or with a metal base.