Choosing cribs beds [Read Viewtool] For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are also bassinets which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be sagging or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the bare essentials.
If you're willing spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great crib option for parents who don't want a new one every time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction like rustic or contemporary then you might want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your Baby Crib's safety and wellbeing.
For convenience You can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This type crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to make the transition to a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the 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. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat to your child.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head which can lead to trapping. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's rest. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your requirements. Select a 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 toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses such as twin or Mini cotbed full size.