Baby Cribs
Baby cribs are among the first major purchases, and one of the most important for expectant parents. It is not just a place for the baby to sleep; it provides a sense of security for both the child and parents during these important first years. The designs of these infant beds have come a long way in the past few decades. Manufacturers make safety their primary concern, following guidelines from the UC Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you are searching for infant beds, you could find buying guides online that may prove helpful.
Types of Baby Cribs
Variety is the name of the game when it comes to selecting your child’s infant bed. The most popular types are:
- Standard -These are regular cribs that have either one or two sides that can drop down making it easy to put in and take out a baby. Another name for these types is conventional baby cribs. They are the more traditional types and almost all manufacturers carry them. Since they have little if any additional features, they tend to be the least expensive option. Unlike some types of baby beds, there is little need to raise or lower the mattress as the baby grows since the sides open. Most standard cribs are ideal for children up to 2 years old.
- Canopy -If elegance is the theme, these easily fit into the décor. As the name suggests, these types have columns or poles from which you can hang fabric to cover the crib. They can be quite useful in areas where parents use mosquito netting to protect babies from insect bites. These are generally a more expensive option.
- Convertible -These are true to the name as the style changes as the baby grows up. Some can in fact go through up to six conversions such as moving from being a crib, a toddler bed, a day bed, a single and even a double bed. This is a convenient option for many parents as they don’t have to keep upgrading as the child gets bigger.
- Round -These are fast becoming a popular choice not only because of their look, but they can easily fit into many nursery décor styles. It is also possible to fit them with poles to make them into canopy cribs. The average round crib has only one side that can drop down, but usually this is not a problem.
- Portable -These are convenient and easily moved from room to room if necessary. They are also easier to pull down and transport if the need arises.
How to Select the Best Baby Cribs
Parents consider the baby’s wellbeing when it comes to selecting baby cribs. The mattress should meet the set standards and be made from flame retardant material. They should also fit well leaving little space between the mattress and the sides of the crib. The slots should be small enough so that little heads and limbs cannot get stuck between them. The standard is 2 2/8 inches apart as any wider can prove to be dangerous.
In the early stages, padded bumpers can provide cushioning against the crib rails for rolling babies. However, as they get bigger they will be able to pull these crib bumpers. It is best to take them out as babies can pull them over their faces leading to suffocation. As babies start using objects as support to stand up, some will use crib bumpers to help them climb out of their cribs.
Other considerations when buying baby cribs include these:
- There should be no chips or broken parts and the paint or varnish should not be peeling off
- The top of the droppable rails should be at least 26 inches above the mattress support when raised and 9 inches when lowered
- Adjustable frames for the mattress will help to lower it as the baby grows and make it more difficult for them to climb out of the crib.
- Avoid buying second-hand cribs that are more than five years old. Also, be conscious of the fact that the paint on older cribs may contain lead.
Finding the right the right nursery furniture for your baby is important, especially when it comes to baby cribs. Not only should little ones be safe, they should also be comfortable so that both the baby and the parents can have a good night’s rest. This can be a fun purchase, but it is best to have an idea of what you are looking for. Many parents-to-be enjoy shopping for a crib as it makes it all seem more real that they are having a baby.
Return from Baby Cribs to Nursery Ideas
