Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to, and most are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in a crib for as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you're willing spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 best rated cribs. They are a good choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
When you are looking cot for sale a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the general style of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, because it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then consider a cots 4 tots-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to make the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Check 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 defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head, that can cause entrapment. Infants could also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in 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 both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler cot bed sales once your child is ready for larger beds. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib sets. Giving your child a choice of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs through their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in various designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be used on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.