Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, each with different dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy 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 all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or they can be removed.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months, or until they are large. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They also are smaller and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. In addition, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some include changing tables tots and cots shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby 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 have more money, you can find cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want a new one every time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction, such as modern or rustic, you may want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or lie down in bed. This is usually 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 as it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly 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 headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for cribs cots and tots toddler beds.
When 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 is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place It will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time will help them settle.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or Baby Cot Online full size.