An essential piece of your newborn’s room will be which of all the baby cribs you choose.
One of the important factors you should consider is that it is safe since your baby will be in there without your supervision.
Avoiding dangerous objects inside the crib is important since your baby will explore and touch everything within reach.
Also, don’t forget that your baby will spend many hours a day sleeping there during their first months.
Therefore, investing in a good crib is necessary.
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Below, we will present the main factors that you should take into account when purchasing your newborn’s crib.
SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BABY CRIBS
What is a crib?
A crib is a bed designed especially for newborns or infants under 4 years old.
The main difference with a bed is that it has four bars so that the baby cannot fall out during his sleep cycle.
How Long Should Your Baby Sleep in Crib?
By consensus, it is usually considered that a baby should remain in his or her crib until he or she is 3 and a half years old at most.
Although, it is ideal that you transfer your baby to a regular bed before they can jump out of the crib on their own.
The most common age is usually between 18 and 24 months of age when the infant already measures approximately 88 cm.
However, you must also take into account the specific characteristics of your son or daughter.
For example, some children tend to be more lively and always try to sneak out of the crib.
Likewise, if your baby suffers from a special condition or disability, he or she may need to stay longer in the crib.
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When Should You Transfer Your Baby from the Bassinet to the Crib?
A bassinet is a tiny bed intended for babies 3-4 months old.
The length of time spent inside the bassinet depends on the size and weight of your newborn.
However, it is usually considered that the baby should leave it when he or she can sit up.
So that your baby adapts better to the crib, you can incorporate the bassinet inside the crib for the first few days.
This way, your baby will feel like they are in a familiar environment and the change will not be so abrupt.
Types of Baby Crib
Choosing a good crib is important because as we have mentioned, it will be your baby’s resting place.
To choose a crib we must take into account the size, material, comfort, safety, adaptability, durability, and price.
Let’s look at all the different types of cribs that exist:
1. Traditional crib
This is the most common type of crib that many parents use.
Your baby can use it until they’re around 3 years old because it’s not very big.
These cribs come in various shapes, like round or rectangular, and some even have attached furniture.
2. Convertible baby cribs
They are very popular among the parenting community due to their versatility.
This type of crib can turn into a regular bed as your child grows.
It might cost more, but it’s a good investment because your child can use it for many years.
3. Transportable baby cribs
These types of cribs are ideal for traveling parents since they are very easy to move.
They are very light and can be folded to take up as little space as possible.
In addition, some have built-in wheels, making moving them even easier.
4. Crib with built-in changing table
The distinguishing factor of this crib is that it has a built-in mini-closet so you can have some essential products or clothes for your baby on hand.
This type of crib can be very useful because it makes many tasks easier for you, such as changing your little one’s diaper.
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REGULATIONS AND SAFETY OF BABY CRIBS
The first thing you should check is whether the crib complies with current safety regulations.
Many parents choose to reuse old cribs that are given to them.
However, many times these no longer meet current requirements.
For the crib to meet the requirements, it must have the following characteristics:
• The distance between the bars should be within the range of 4.5 – 6.5 cm.
• Varnish and paint must be toxic-free.
• The mattress should be solid enough so that your baby does not sink when lying on it.
• The crib must have the necessary depth and its edges must be high enough; a minimum of 30 cm.
• If the crib has a movable side rail, it must have a double lock so that the baby cannot manipulate it.
• The slatted base must be taut enough and cannot be too elastic.
• If the crib has wheels, at least 2 of them must have locks.
• The finishes should be polished and fitted enough so that your baby cannot get hurt.
• The crib must be rigid: When holding the ends and moving them, it should oscillate as little as possible.
• The headboard should not have decorations that could hurt your little one.
HOW TO ARRANGE THE CRIB?
The baby crib you choose must meet all safety requirements.
But remember, it is also important that you create a safe environment for your child.
Below, we give you some tips to keep your baby’s environment as protected as possible.
Crib bumper: Using this product is not recommended because your baby runs the risk of suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment.
Stuffed animals or large toys: Your little one shouldn’t have these types of objects inside their bed, since they could use them to climb and get out of it.
Pillows or thick comforters: You should avoid having these items in the baby’s crib because they can be dangerous, especially for a newborn who could accidentally suffocate or get hurt.
Sunlight hours: Try to place the crib away from the window, because during sunny hours your baby could become uncomfortable.
Radiators or air conditioners: The place where your little one sleeps should be as far as possible from these devices.
This way you prevent the baby crib from overheating or getting cold.
Blinds or curtains: You must place the crib away from these objects.
Cords from blinds or curtains can get tangled around your little one’s neck and cause harm.
Mattress: Make sure the mattress is the right size so that it doesn’t have a gap where your baby could fall.
Furthermore, it must be solid enough; don’t use a mattress that is very soft or one filled with water for your baby’s crib.
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HOW DO I CHOOSE THE IDEAL BABY CRIB?
The type of baby cribs you choose will depend a lot on the functions you want it to have, your budget, and usability.
For example, if you are a person who travels a lot, you would benefit from a transportable crib or if you prefer it to last for many years, you can opt for a convertible crib.
Despite this, the most important thing is that it complies with the safety regulations that we presented above.
Likewise, if you have been given a crib as a gift, before using it, check that it is reliable and that it does not pose any danger to your little one.
Remember that the most important thing is that your baby is always protected and cared for.
Conclusion
The safety of your newborn is the most important, make sure you follow the steps discussed in this article to ensure that your baby is safe.
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