Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or can be removed.
There are bassinets too, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be loose or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you're willing spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed 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 buy an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the general theme of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For convenience You can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended to 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 have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is best cots used when your child can sit up or roll in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal as this is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib frame for any imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you're planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden best infant cribs death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 deaths 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 can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head which can lead to entrapment. Infants could also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of online cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. 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.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in a variety of designs to complement the furniture pieces you have tots and cots are suitable for many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.