Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can, some will be ready to move them to a toddler Cot Bed sooner than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or climb out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months, or until they are large. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend on a crib sets, you can find one that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called cots 4 tots-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for convenience during the newborn stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens before they are a year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then think about a crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood that could pose a danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items, from clothes and Most Recommended Cribs toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually 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.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is a great way to extend the life of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.