Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months, or until they are too large. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early years. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you have more money there are cribs that can grow with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want a new one every time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in an inclination such as modern or rustic, you may want to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower one is recommended before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to the suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported deaths 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 are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleeping. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different 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 will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready for an additional bed. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit It should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
Having online cots that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be used on numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.