Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety at night.
There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs for as long as is possible, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be removed.
There are bassinets too, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early years. They also come in smaller sizes, making them a good alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would like.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be missing or loose. 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 chance of suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the essentials.
If you have more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home reflects an inclination such as modern or rustic it is possible to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for good cribs (faktes.ru) infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier You can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for infants, while the lower position should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then think about a crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size cheap cot bed. They usually have removable rails to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one 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 is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head which can lead cots to tots the entrapment of. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or get trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in 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 sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready for an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.