Designing a nursery for your baby should be fun and exciting, not stressful. The result is a safe place for your child to grow and learn. That’s why we’ve put together some expert tips for you to keep in mind when choosing the perfect crib to make your experience as stress-free and easy as possible.
What kind of crib should I buy?
Choosing the right type of crib for your baby is one of the most important decisions you need to make. After all, this is where they will be spending most of their nights for the next two years. Therefore, it is important to have a crib that fits your family perfectly.
Are you planning multiple children? Standard cot
- Standard beds have a simple construction 4 fixed sides with bars or slats while.
- They are sturdy and fairly durable Ideal for families who want to have several children – The cot can be used again and again without having to be replaced.
- These cots are the most popular type on the market and usually are available in different versions including mixed materials and colorful finishes.
- One disadvantage of standard beds is their size – that’s what makes them difficult to transport and keep it when not in use, so this may not be a good option for families that move between locations frequently.
Want something that will last for years? Convertible cot
- There are also convertible cots known as lifetime cribs or 3-in-1 cribs as you can convert into a toddler bed and later into a day bed.
- They are ideal for parents who are no longer planning children but still want them a long-term investment with more than 2 years usage.
- These cribs usually have a very simple and minimalist design, paired with a neutral color scheme to avoid making it look dated over the years.
- Unfortunately, there are often many convertible cribs more expensive than standard beds and require some manual work with each transition.
- It is very important to make sure everything is installed correctly, especially at the crib stage If moving parts are not secured, your baby could be accidentally injured.
Do you only have limited floor space? bassinet
- bassinet are Ideal for the first 3 to 6 months in a baby’s life as they are much smaller than regular cribs.
- you are a wonderful solution for apartments or lofts with limited floor space and are usually less expensive than standard cribs.
- However, after about 6 months You need to buy a new crib as the bassinet can no longer hold your baby securely, which can prove more expensive in the long run.
Do you spend a lot of time away from home? travel bed
- Travel cots are very soft and light, often with a mesh or aluminum construction.
- They are very quickly set up and packed, and the perfect solution for families who travel often.
- However, they are not recommended as a permanent sleeping place for your baby the material is very susceptible to wear, And The mattress may not be firm enough.
Need something temporary and cheap? mini cot
- This type of cot is very popular with families with limited living space as it is compact but still has some useful features.
- Many mini cots have one adjustable mattress height and wheels to easily move the cot from room to room.
- However, like bassinets, these cribs have one very limited lifespan and must be replaced by a normal cot after approx. 1 year. 6 months.
How do I choose a mattress for my crib?
Choosing the right mattress for your baby can be a little tricky, especially if you don’t know what factors to look out for. When purchasing, things like the type of mattress, firmness and protection of the mattress should be considered.
What types are there?
- As with adult mattresses, there are such three main types: Foam, spring and organic.
- Although many people would initially only opt for the same type of mattress that they already have at home, Experts recommend choosing an organic mattress over every other guy.
- Because organic mattresses can ensure the safety of your child, whereas foam and innerspring mattresses cannot Some manufacturing chemicals may remain on foam or innerspring mattresses. This can make existing conditions worse or cause new complications.
Do I need mattress ventilation?
- Mattress vents are a great investment Increase airflow and allow moisture to escape from the mattress. This will prevent mold and odor from forming.
- Most baby mattresses have this built in – the mattress seems to have tiny holes on the side And the more holes, the better the ventilation!
How do I make my baby’s crib secure?
A chic cot is useless if your baby is unsure about using it. Below are some precautions that you must follow to ensure that the crib you choose will not harm your baby in any way.
- The bars on the side of the cot should be spaced apart no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart, to prevent the baby from slipping.
- The manger There must be no recesses in the head and foot sections to prevent the baby from getting stuck.
- The top of the cot railing should be at least 26 inches from the top of the mattress, and the mattress should be periodically lowered to prevent the baby from falling or climbing out of the cot.
- The corner Posts should be no higher than 1/16 inch. as they can get caught in your baby’s clothes and cause injury.
