Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be removed.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months or until they are big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. Also, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you're willing spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction like rustic or contemporary it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
For convenience You can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower one should be used prior to when your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens before they turn one year old.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then look into a crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden best infant cribs death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; cots and tots mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleep. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended cribs to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
You can 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. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various styles to match your other furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.