Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress cots and tots provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs as long as they can however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. 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 they can climb out.
There are bassinets too, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in their early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and infant cot bed mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you have more money on a crib, you can find one that can develop with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction, such as modern or rustic then you might want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use You can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. 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 works well for infants. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and baby cots on sale Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you're contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted 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 kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is important to choose the best cot bed mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great option to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.