Rabu, 31 Oktober 2007

Making Your Baby Crib SAFE


As a new parents, you can get away with keeping your newborn babies in a bassinet for the first new weeks, then in the baby crib to ensure your newborns safe during the early years.

Nowadays, baby cribs are available in many varieties and models, so it can often be overwhelming. There are sleigh,
convertible, mini, wooden and rocking cribs to name a few. Some of the
most popular baby cribs are those that convert into a toddler bed.
Buying this type of crib is an economical decision allowing baby to use
the same bedding for years to come. Other types of convertible baby
cribs allow the crib to be attached next to the parent’s bedside for
co-sleeping arrangements. This style of crib is often a popular choice
among attachment parenting supporters, who believe that baby is better
off sleeping with mom and dad for the first few months of life.

Some
of the newest types of baby cribs have the capability of making your
newborn to sleep. This can be an exceptional plus when trying to get a
colicky baby to sleep. Keep in mind however, when considering this
style of crib that eventually baby will outgrow the rocking crib and
have to move to an ordinary bed. The transition might be a little
disconcerting at first. Babies develop habits early on, and a baby who
learns how to fall asleep with rocking will likely require some type of
soothing mechanism in order to fall asleep in the years to come.

No
matter the type of baby crib you decide on, there are certain important
safety factors you should take into consideration before purchasing.
These include the following:

  • NEVER buy
    a used crib unless you are certain that it is in quality shape and
    has all the parts. If you are missing a part, you might be able to
    order spare parts from the manufacturer. NEVER, EVER try to force a
    crib so that it works without the spare parts. Your baby’s life can be
    in danger. Many an infant has been critically injured or suffocated
    because of a collapsed crib. Most manufacturers and organizations
    recommend purchase of a new crib to ensure the safety of your newborn
    infant.
  • Make sure that all slats are placed no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
  • Ensure
    that the mattress fits snugly into the crib, so that there is no more
    than a two finger width space differential between the edge of the
    mattress and the side of the crib
  • Corner posts should be no higher than 1/16 of an inch to prevent entanglement or suffocation
  • Screws and bolts should all be secure

Some
other considerations when you are searching for baby cribs include how
secure the drop side latches are. You want to be certain that they are
strong enough to prevent baby from accidentally unlatching them. Also,
when setting up your baby crib, be certain not to fill the babies bed
with extra blankets or stuffed animals. Such items also pose a
suffocation risk, especially during the first four months of baby’s
life when SIDS is a risk factor. Lastly, be certain that you do not
place the crib within reach of any hanging objects that baby might
accidentally grab onto and pull down.

Many parents often look for
a colorful mobile to attach to the rail of their baby crib. This is a
fine idea, and can provide your baby with hours of stimulating
entertainment. Just be certain that you remove the mobile by the time
baby is sitting up, so that she doesn’t accidentally pull the mobile
down or become entangled in any loose strings.



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Minggu, 28 Oktober 2007

Which Better: CRIB or BASSINETTE ?

For new mom, choosing a crib or bassinette for her babies may be a problem. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages.
Lets compare them:

A crib needs a larger space, so most parents have to have the nursery done. This means that you probably won't be able to keep the baby in the same room with you. During the night when the baby wakes, you'll have to get up and go out to get the infant for feeding and changing. Also a crib is much larger, so the little infant will look so very tiny lying there.

A bassinet is portable. The base has wheels so you can roll it from one room to another. A crib is much harder to move, so during the day you will still need to have a smaller bed for the baby in the living room or den. Plus, the sleeping basket comes out of the bassinet so you can take the baby's bed with you when you travel. Bassinettes are small, often egg shaped bed that has tall sides, a skinny mattress, and sits on a wheeled stand. To keep the legs and wheels from showing, a bassinette is often decorated with lacy skirts, ribbons, and bows. The basket portion of the bassinette is usually large enough to hold nothing more than the infant and a few blankets. A bassinet is great for a newborn baby because it is a small area, which helps the infant to feel more secure. The frilly bedding also helps to make the infant look that much more precious. There are many different designs of bassinets, just as there are with cribs. The main feature that parents like about using a bassinet for the first few months is that they can have it right next to the bedside. Most of the newer models have rocking motion that you can use if you want. The bassinet doesn't rock a lot so there is no danger of it tipping over and when you lock the wheels in place, it won' rock at all.

But remember, a bassinet is only good for a few months. Once the baby gets old enough to start getting up on its hands and knees, then you need to transfer him/her to a crib to sleep. The side of a bassinet are really low and once the baby starts growing, there is the danger he/she might fall out over the sides. Whether you decide to go with a bassinet, you will need to buy a new crib after a few months anyway. However, if you have a bassinet that converts to a change table, this is one piece of baby furniture you won't have to buy. The storage area under the bassinet is also a great place for keeping the baby supplies you will need.

The best choice for any infant is a crib. Cribs are bigger and have tall sides. One side of the crib drops down so that a parent can gently place the infant into the bed while sleeping. Then the side is easily raised back up. Cribs offer two height settings for mattresses. The higher setting is for infants, and then the lower setting is for babies who are able to stand with assistance. This keeps a baby from being able to fall over the edge of the crib rail. Often cribs can convert to toddler beds.
The leading cause of infant death is SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), so make sure to prevent against this is firmed the bedding, left out the toys from cribs. Use light blanket.

Any newborn sleeps more than sixteen hours a day. While snuggling in mommy's arms is always appealing, it is not practical for a new mom. An infant does need a place to sleep. This place must be safe and comfortable. Those are the most important requirements for any infant's bedding.

Baby Crib: New or Used?

As a new mom, you expect the perfect cribs for your baby nursery. You may be uncertain of buying a new crib or accept the offer of friends and family members who might have a beautiful piece, but used in the home. Making the decision can be daunting at first, especially when you are hunting with hormones, either because of pregnancy or very tired after the task of putting your child in the world. The list of items for baby, which is needed to be purchased, everything seems interminable.

But there is nothing to be discouraged. The bottom line is that the choice between a new or used crib will not affect the baby of love for you. As long as you give all their care; As long as they feel loved and nurtured, they will not be embarrassed to say the least, by your choice. Basically, whatever the crib, you have a new or old-it should be safe to use for your precious bundle of joy.

If you buy a new crib (which is recommended by most organizations related to the safety of baby furniture) - it is safer to meet the minimum requirements of the government security. Look out for products that either display JPMA seal of approval or the BS 'Kite' mark, as they have been thoroughly tested to meet all the conditions of security. A safe crib should have a firm, well-adjusted and no mattresses misplaced or cracked planks / slats. Also, the head or foot of beak should not have any development.
These checks can also be made for discounts at the base "nurseries, in addition to other tests to ensure that the nursery and bedding are safe for your baby:

• The bars should be spaced out at a width of not more than 2 3 / 8 "(width of a soda can). This prevents the child to have his head stuck between them.
• The crib sheet should be no paint or loose.
• Any positions that the baby may catch on his clothes have to be changed.
• Any wobbling should be eliminated by ensuring that all joints are irreducible.
• Raising and lowering of the decline parties should preferably be controlled by one hand. The parties must lock when raised.
• The top of the side bar shall be 22 "on the mattress.
• It would be preferable to replace the old mattress in a crib with that firm, clean and well-adjusted.
• Bedding must confirm to fire safety decisions. Using sheets and blankets in the litter is best for babies under 12 months from blankets, quilts, pillows, etc., putting the baby in danger of overheating. To ensure the proper temperature, a room thermometer can be kept.
• Do not position the crib near lamps, curtains, furniture or that encourage climbing.
• If the installation bumpers so that the strings are hidden and secure.
• Do not buy used cribs shops where you can not verify the manufacturer or user history.
Choosing the right nursery not only provides security for the baby, but also peace of mind for parents. After choosing the right nursery, it is time to find the baby bedding exceptional group to go with.

Sabtu, 27 Oktober 2007

About Rectangular Baby Crib

Rectangular baby cribs are prepared beds and cradles baby with the parties and rockers. These nurseries have high infant sides made of a thin strip of wood or metal. Rectangular baby cribs are available in a variety of distinctive finishes. Iron nurseries are more expensive than wood cribs.

Rails of the crib rectangular baby cribs were covered by soft, non-toxic plastic, in order to protect a child's teeth and gums while soft teeth. They also form a protective shield for the child from bumps and bruises if it strikes against the rails. Cadres baby rectangular boxes are available in many fine selections of wood and iron.

There are different types of rectangular baby cribs. Standard models include round spindled sides sled styles, flat slats and back arched. They come either as a single drop or as a side twice fall, which both sides drop. Convertibles baby cribs are another variety. Rectangular baby cribs are very popular because they can be readily converted into a small bed or even a large bed. Some expensive models have drawers at the bottom of the cradle.

As a form the cradle of the first baby furniture, extreme care should be taken while selecting a cradle. The style and color comes only after the security. While choosing the mattress, make sure the mattress fits tightly against each side of the crib. Also ensure that it meets all the required standards of the Consumers Products Safety Commission. Online shopping for baby cribs rectangular features a wide range of choices. By purchasing online, you can easily compare the quality and price of two varieties.

Tips for Choosing Safety Baby Crib

The crib is very nice in design and cheap in price, but it is safe or not for my little baby?. Many parent think about it. First priority for their baby is SAFETY. Most recently, it was discovered that the manufacturer has hidden the conclusions that one of their products has resulted in the injury and death of many children. The recall took place only when the media got ahold of information and presentations.

So how does a parent choose a safe crib when there is a myriad of brands, styles and options to choose from? First, because it is one of the most popular options, we must be cautious about hand me downs.

Before taking a used crib at home for your child, make sure it has not been charged with dangerous driving painting. You also want to check if all parties are there - and work well.

Although it may sound strange, a nursery that has decorative cuts could prove fatal to your child. Want one where the slats are no wider than two or three eighths inches apart. This prevents your baby's head to be caught between them. If you are considering the crib been manufactured before 1974, it can not meet this criterion.

The mattress should fit tightly against news from the crib, so that there is no space where children can fall into and suffocated. You want the rails to be at a height of 26 inches or more above the lowest position mattress in the crib so that your baby can not fall, once he or she is able to do .

Search a cradle where the decline parties have a two-step process or require a period of ten pounds of force to free the locks. You do not want your baby accidentally trigger the release and the overthrow of his birthplace.

In addition to buying a nursery-based hardware components, you want to take the time to learn the ins and outs of what security measures you should take with decorations and accessories that you use in or around the crib itself.

Here are some Baby Safety Tips-Baby Crib Safety from www.newmomsurvivalguide.com

Crib Design

• Dispose of antique cribs with decorative cutouts, corner posts or lead paint.
• The space between the slats should be no more than 2−3/8 inches apart to prevent infants from getting their head stuck between them.
• Cribs manufactured after 1974 must meet this and other strict safety standards.
• The corner posts should be the same height as the end panels or less than 1/16 of an inch higher than the end panels.
• No cut−out areas on the headboard or footboard so a baby's head cannot get trapped.
• The top rails of crib sides, in their raised position, should be at least 26 inches above the top of the mattress support at its lowest position.
• As soon as the child can pull himself to a standing position, set and keep the mattress at its lowest position. Stop using the crib once the height of the top rails is less than three−fourth of the child's height.

Mattress

• The mattress should fit snugly next to the crib so that there is no gap. If two adult fingers can be placed between the mattress and the crib, the mattress should be immediately replaced.
• Do not use plastic packaging materials, such as dry cleaning bags, as mattress covers. Plastic film can cling to children's faces and should never be in or near the crib.
• Put your baby to sleep on his or her back or side in a crib with a firm, flat mattress and no soft bedding underneath. Talk to your pediatrician about which sleeping position is best for you child.

Crib Hardware

• The drop side(s) of the crib should require two distinct actions or a minimum force of ten pounds with one action to release the latch or the locks to prevent accidental release by the child.
• The crib hardware should be checked for disengaged, broken, bent or loose pieces.
• Special checks should be made of the mattress support hangers and brackets so they cannot drop.
• The hardware and the crib should be smooth and free of sharp edges, points and rough surfaces.

Crib Accessories

• Bumper pads should cover the entire inside perimeter of the crib and tie or snap in place.
• Bumper pads should have at least six straps or ties and any excess length of straps or ties should be cut off.
• Bumper pads should never be used in lieu of proper spacing between the slats and should be removed from the crib as soon as the child can pull himself to a standing position.
• Teething rails that are damaged should be fixed, replaced or removed immediately.
• To prevent possible entanglement, mobiles and crib gyms, which are meant to be hung over or across the crib, should be removed when the child is five months old or when he begins to push up onto hands and knees or can pull himself up.
• Keep the crib clear of plastic sheets, pillows, and large stuffed animals or toys. These can be suffocation hazards or can enable youngsters to climb out of the crib.
• Any cloth or vinyl items that are loose or torn should be replaced or repaired immediately.

Crib Environment

• Do not place crib next to a window. Drapery and blind cords pose an entanglement hazard and window screens are not intended to keep a child in, only insects out.
• Install smoke detectors. Follow the manufacturer's directions for placement. Check at least once a month to make sure battery and smoke detector are in good working condition.
• Lead is a health hazard, especially to young children. It can be found in dust and soil off busy roadways, in old paint on walls, toys and furniture and sometimes in paint on new imported items.