Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, each with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for babies and mini cot Bed infants. There are a variety of cribs available, but they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to, and most are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They are also more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be loose or absent. Also the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you're willing to spend a little extra 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 can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You might want to choose one that is in line with the general theme of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. This kind crib sets is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the best crib for newborn or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to suffocation. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection 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 can be converted into a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in different styles to match your other furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.