Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your Baby beds. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until your child is around 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months, or until they are too big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs beds, but they can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in their early months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a a limited budget, you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every when their child grows out of the current one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is best crib used when your baby can sit up or roll in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, Cots 4 Tots (Highly recommended Reading) which could break or loosen over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then look into a crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. 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 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're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be a hazard, as your Baby Crib could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleep. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.