Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe in the evening.
There are many cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs have wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment like the mother's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
There are bassinets too, which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in the early months. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you will prefer 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 crib frame and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
There are cribs available in many different styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you have more money on a crib, you can find one that will expand with your child to toddler mini cot beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general theme of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. It's not recommended cribs to use this kind of crib until your cheap baby cots for sale is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is best cots uk used when your baby can sit up or roll in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
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 since it's more durable than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excess 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 as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose, it's essential 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. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in 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 reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
It is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, 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 the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great crib 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 many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.