What Should The Baby’s Crib Look Like?
Thinking about the baby’s room on the way is very exciting. Parents tend to be very fancy decorating. But in addition to buying or arranging a crib that respects safety measures, it is also important to consider other issues.
For example, the crib should be placed in a place that is away from sources of heat or cold, such as a window, avoiding exposure to drafts. Also, it should not be placed under frames or shelves. Also, do not place objects near the crib that could fall on the baby. Toys, therefore, must be kept out of the crib.
Above all, pay attention to the material the crib is made of. The varnishes, paints or other decorations used in its manufacture cannot be toxic.
The crib must be safe
It is very important that the crib has a minimum internal height of 60 centimeters. That is, from the deepest point of the crib to the highest point of the fence.
If the crib has bars, the separation between them should be 4.5 cm to 6.6 cm to prevent the baby from putting his head between them and getting stuck. The crib can have two or more wheels, at least two of which must have locks.
Mattress measurements must be suitable for the crib. If the mattress is too small, the gaps between the mattress and the crib can trap the baby’s leg or arm. Between the mattress and the crib there must not be a space of more than 2 centimeters on each side. The mattress must be suitable for babies: resistant, breathable and not too soft so that the baby does not sink and damage his/her spine.
In addition, pediatricians advise placing a zippered mattress cover and a mattress protector. Currently, there are anti-mite covers and mattresses with hypoallergenic filling.
It is not advisable to use a pillow for children up to 2 years old, due to the risk of suffocation. From this age on, you can start using it as long as it is very short.
Crib location
Never place objects close to the crib that could fall on the baby. Also, do not decorate the crib with ribbons as they can be dangerous for the baby. So, toys should be out of the crib to prevent the child from getting hurt.
In addition, parents must decide whether the baby will sleep in a separate room or whether they will sleep in the same room as them. If it’s in the same room, they should think about whether the baby will sleep in a separate crib, in the same bed, or in a crib attached to the parents’ bed, at least for the first few months.
While the baby is still very small, it is important that he stay close to mom and dad. This way they can quickly take care of and respond to any situation, for example, if the baby chokes on his own saliva, vomits or develops a fever.
If you want to put a baby monitor, prefer the wireless ones. Between 2004 and 2010 the US safety commission received seven reports of babies being strangled by the cords of these devices.
The trousseau, in addition to being aesthetic, also has an important role. Do not place a pillow in the crib of children under 2 years of age, especially to avoid the risk of sudden death. Ideally, the child should sleep on a flat mattress with an elasticated sheet.
Blankets and even stuffed animals should be avoided when your baby is asleep.
Currently there are cribs that favor skin-to-skin contact with the baby, others have a convertible model and can be turned into furniture for children, such as a dresser or a desk for when the baby doesn’t sleep there anymore.
Modern cribs also meet international safety standards, a point that parents should consider when planning where their baby will sleep. Likewise, it is very important to pay attention to how the baby is placed in the crib.
Experts recommend putting babies to sleep on their stomachs, whether they’re taking a nap or sleeping through the night.
