Choosing cribs beds (Read the Full Report) For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can be taken away.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they are too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require during their early years. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be sagging or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
You can buy cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby cots on sale while in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in a particular direction such as modern or rustic, you may want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, think about a cots 4 tots-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head which can lead to entrapment. Infants can also roll on the mattress, or Sale Cot be wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.