Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked Best cot for newborn cribs that are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months or until they are too large. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that some infants need in their early months. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to 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. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
You can buy cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have a limited budget there are cribs that have only the essentials.
If you're willing invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every when their child grows out of the current one.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to the nursery cots of your baby. If the style of your home is influenced by an inclination such as modern or rustic, you may want to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower setting is recommended before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, Cribs Beds which usually occurs by the time they are a year old.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then think about a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition from the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. 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, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for a bigger bed. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable 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 by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.
Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits for these cribs come in different designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.