Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, all with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child is out of the old one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, check the crib frame to see if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard which can lead to entrapment. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making Cot Bed in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great option to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.