Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety in the evening.
There are a myriad of cribs of various 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 bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to room, and most are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a safe 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, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more compact which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
You can buy cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a a limited budget you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. 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 one.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for convenience during the infant 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 offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is best rated cribs used when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, examine 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 an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR, and two deaths that were 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's side, or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for cot bed Sales both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in larger beds. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide the Mini Cot Bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.