Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant cot bed. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room, and most are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They also are smaller, making them a good alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs are available in different designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you're willing pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made 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 a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. This type of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable heights Best cot for newborn mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as an infant cot bed's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or 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 reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler cot beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of cots offers. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and 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 with two people.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great option to extend the life of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.