Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others might be ready move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. Also the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in various styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. cots offers might want to choose one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or lie down in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search 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. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for flaws in the wood or paint that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants can also roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is a great option to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.