A baby crib or infant bed is the most useful and valuable furniture in a nursery. Your baby is going to spend lots of time snuggled up and sleeping in its cradle hopefully. Today’s infant beds usually come in different style plus they offer various functions. It’s of great significance that you select an infant bed that suits your baby. This guide will help you know the variety of infant beds available so that you can be able to determine what’s perfect for your space as well as lifestyle.
Safety
Your child is going to use the baby crib until the baby is around two years old. Therefore, it is a good idea to buy a type that adheres to all the safety regulations. The U.S. Commission or CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) has put strict standards for the retailers and consumers.
Also, the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, Inc.) has developed a complete Certification Program for helping caregivers and parents towards buying juvenile products built with the safety kept in mind. You should buy a crib that has a JPMA Certification Seal which shows the crib was tested and verified for safety and quality.
You should follow all directions to ensure that all bolts, fittings, and screws are secure. Once a child starts using the crib, you should regularly inspect the crib for any loose or missing hardware and tighten them as required.
Crib Types and Style
Nursery sets and cribs are available in a variety of design styles, including traditional, modern, ornate, and country casual. Also, baby cribs are available in different colors, with the most popular colors being gray, white, black, and wood stain (dark and light).
Five main types of cribs are available in stores.
Standard Baby Cribs
These types of cribs are a good option if you are thinking of having another baby in a few years. They are usually designed to be safe, strong, and long-lasting. They have fixed-sides that can’t be moved, as CPSC banned the drop-side cribs in 2011 because of safety reasons. Assembling the standard crib is much easier than the other types of cribs. They also cost much cheaper because of their design and simple construction. Standard cribs are available in different colors, shapes, and styles.
Mini and Portable Cribs
You can setup this type of crib in your nursery and use it as an ordinary baby bed; then you can fold it down and take or move it to a different location, making sure you child remain comfortable. These types of cribs are perfect for people that have small families and homes and love traveling. Mini and Portable Cribs are smaller compared to standard cribs, but they are stylish and safe. Some mini cribs could convert into twin and toddler beds down the road.
Convertible Cribs
These cribs are built to last; a convertible crib is capable of taking your newborn baby all the way to a teenager, converting from a baby crib, then to a toddler bed plus day bed and others can convert into a full-sized bed. Convertible cribs are usually more expensive compared to the other cribs, but are worthy of your money because you have finished having children and you need something the kid might be using for years to come.
Crib and Changing Table Combos
They contain a baby crib plus a changing table that is attached, which gives you two of the most important pieces of nursery furniture in one which saves space. It’s a good choice for small rooms; however, you can use it everywhere. In later years, most of these combos could separate. The crib can convert to a youth bed, and you can use the changing table as a night table.
Material
Currently, wood is the popular choice for most baby cribs. It provides stability, and it’s long-lasting and can match with your choice of furniture in your home. Higher quality woods like mahogany, oak, and beech costs more but are durable. Other materials in baby cribs are plastic and metal.
Cost
A convertible style crib is an economical choice because your child can use it for many years and you save a lot of money because you’ll not have to buy a new bed for your child.
To conclude, you can use these tips to help you choose a baby crib that suits you and your child.
Resources
Guidelines for co-sleeping safety – Is Co-Sleeping Safe for Your Baby?
“Happiest Baby on the Block” classes are offered at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland and at Great Starts Birth and Family Education in Seattle.
Crib Wedge Safety – Helping Your Baby (and You) Get Some Rest
