Choosing cribs beds (Resource) For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in a crib for as long as possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or can be taken away.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months, or until they are too big. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. Also the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Cribs are available in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you are willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery cots. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the knowledge 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, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby cot online's safety and wellbeing.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower one should be used before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you're planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to inhalation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard, that can cause entrapment. Infants may also fall on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in 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 are available for many brands of cots offers. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
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 space as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts into a full size bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in various styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.