Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A best crib newborn lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, each with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the baby's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that infants require during their first few months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you are willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
If you are in the market best cots for newborns a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select an option that fits the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower one should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal as this is believed to be more stable than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose 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 possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a toddler 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 come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. 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 the description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or Cot Bed sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and help 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 a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that converts into a full size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.