Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a myriad of good cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is like the mother's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months or until they become too large. These are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in their early years. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have a limited budget there are cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you're willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 good cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby cot online. If the design of your home is in a particular direction like rustic or contemporary it is possible to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of designs and shapes that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and cot beds for sale [www.Kirstenulrich.De] non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when 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 setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, because it is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that can break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler cot beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel 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.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into Mini Cot Bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.