Instead of going crazy baby-proofing the whole house when a newborn is on the way, parents should take a deep breath, relax, and focus. More specifically, the focus should be on choosing the best crib possible. After all, a newborn isn't going to spend that much time crawling around the kitchen. Instead, he or she is going to be sleeping, napping, and resting a lot in the bedroom or nursery.
The cornerstone to a safe and healthy baby is a new crib that's up to the contemporary safety standards. It might be quaint or lovely to use a hand-me-down crib from your own youth, but with splinters and lead paint, not to mention years of aging, the best bet is to buy something new. After all, safety is the most important concern here, and it is possible to get a brand-new crib with a classic design and feel.
Also important for growing families is the idea of investing in a crib that will last even longer if plans to have more children are in the future. A crib is an important investment, and choosing well doesn't just mean safety for your newborn, but also, a sturdy and reliable piece of baby furniture for years to come.
All cribs sold are supposed to comply with universal safety standards, which include a sturdy and durable design and railings that lower, to make picking up your child and putting him or her down easier on your arms and back. Some cribs have railings that lower on both sides, while others only have them on one side. Depending on the layout of the room, you might only need a railing that lowers on one side.
The crib itself comes in a myriad of different designs, from more classic and old-fashioned models that will remind you of your own youth, to contemporary and sleek designs. Depending on budget and taste, it's possible to get a crib that matches anyone's aesthetic, and that goes great in the nursery, too!
If your family is more interested in a device that can grow with the child, or is only planning on having one child, there are convertible cribs that will serve as a bed from the time you bring your child home until the time he or she moves out. These convertible cribs start out as cribs, convert to toddler beds, and then some even convert to day-beds after that. It's a good investment for the long-term.
Most of the time, parents have to buy the crib mattress separate from the crib. Just like regular mattresses, there are foam and spring options. Just like cribs, crib mattresses have their own safety standards, so a reputable store should provide only the best models.
When buying a crib mattress, be sure to look for a couple of different things. Make sure that the mattress attaches to the crib securely in some form or another, and double-check that it's not possible to wedge more than a finger between the mattress and the crib itself. That's an especially important safety concern for curious newborns, who could accidentally wedge their little hands and feet, and have big trouble.
Another important factor is the distance between the slats. Make sure there isn't enough room for a child to wedge a head or hand in, and accidentally have an accident during the night.
As your child grows, it might be important to add a teething rail, so that when your child begins teething, he or she won't be chewing on the actual wood of the crib. Bumper guards are also a good bet, as they line the crib and make it so your child won't hit his or her head when rolling around during sleep.
The most important crib accessory, though, is a good arsenal of educational and interactive toys. More than just comforting a child when his or her parents aren't in the room, good toys provide entertainment and mental stimulation. Mobiles, toys that play music, and toys with safe, movable parts are the best choices. It's never too early to think about your child's mental growth, and early toy exposure is also proven to improve coordination later on. Stock that crib with toys for more than just entertainment purposes. - 33393
The cornerstone to a safe and healthy baby is a new crib that's up to the contemporary safety standards. It might be quaint or lovely to use a hand-me-down crib from your own youth, but with splinters and lead paint, not to mention years of aging, the best bet is to buy something new. After all, safety is the most important concern here, and it is possible to get a brand-new crib with a classic design and feel.
Also important for growing families is the idea of investing in a crib that will last even longer if plans to have more children are in the future. A crib is an important investment, and choosing well doesn't just mean safety for your newborn, but also, a sturdy and reliable piece of baby furniture for years to come.
All cribs sold are supposed to comply with universal safety standards, which include a sturdy and durable design and railings that lower, to make picking up your child and putting him or her down easier on your arms and back. Some cribs have railings that lower on both sides, while others only have them on one side. Depending on the layout of the room, you might only need a railing that lowers on one side.
The crib itself comes in a myriad of different designs, from more classic and old-fashioned models that will remind you of your own youth, to contemporary and sleek designs. Depending on budget and taste, it's possible to get a crib that matches anyone's aesthetic, and that goes great in the nursery, too!
If your family is more interested in a device that can grow with the child, or is only planning on having one child, there are convertible cribs that will serve as a bed from the time you bring your child home until the time he or she moves out. These convertible cribs start out as cribs, convert to toddler beds, and then some even convert to day-beds after that. It's a good investment for the long-term.
Most of the time, parents have to buy the crib mattress separate from the crib. Just like regular mattresses, there are foam and spring options. Just like cribs, crib mattresses have their own safety standards, so a reputable store should provide only the best models.
When buying a crib mattress, be sure to look for a couple of different things. Make sure that the mattress attaches to the crib securely in some form or another, and double-check that it's not possible to wedge more than a finger between the mattress and the crib itself. That's an especially important safety concern for curious newborns, who could accidentally wedge their little hands and feet, and have big trouble.
Another important factor is the distance between the slats. Make sure there isn't enough room for a child to wedge a head or hand in, and accidentally have an accident during the night.
As your child grows, it might be important to add a teething rail, so that when your child begins teething, he or she won't be chewing on the actual wood of the crib. Bumper guards are also a good bet, as they line the crib and make it so your child won't hit his or her head when rolling around during sleep.
The most important crib accessory, though, is a good arsenal of educational and interactive toys. More than just comforting a child when his or her parents aren't in the room, good toys provide entertainment and mental stimulation. Mobiles, toys that play music, and toys with safe, movable parts are the best choices. It's never too early to think about your child's mental growth, and early toy exposure is also proven to improve coordination later on. Stock that crib with toys for more than just entertainment purposes. - 33393
About the Author:
When it comes to Prams and Pushchairs, Byron Jonas uses none other than Go Bubba Go. They simply stock the best prams for growing families
