Choosing cribs beds (see here) For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety at night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible, best Cots For newborns some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they are large. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also are smaller and therefore a great option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs 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 must not be loose or missing. In addition the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you have more money on a crib, you can find one that can develop with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. This kind crib is not recommended 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 setting is great for infants, while the lower position should be used before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a cots 4 tots-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib sets bed that is too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler mini cot beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cheap cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some 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 best mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in different styles to match your furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.