Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months, or until they become too large. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, Best Cot for newborn and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you're willing to invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who don't want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by a particular direction, such as modern or rustic, you may want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the newborn stage. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position is recommended before your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they are a year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, as this is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of 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 planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib frame to see whether there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant cot bed's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head which can lead to entrapment. Infants could also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler mini cot beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in larger beds. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place It will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and Cot Sets putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.