Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a compact bed designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby cots online in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in their early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be loose or missing. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that only have the essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in one particular direction like modern or rustic, you may want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs beds have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for infants, while the lower position is recommended before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also often 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 (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib frame to see if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard which can lead to entrapment. Infants could also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will promote safe sleep, and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery cots. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready for a bigger bed. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler 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 toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional Cot Bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.