Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some top ranked cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to that of the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in a crib for as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are also bassinets 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, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They are also more compact which makes them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you're willing spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler mini cot beds, daybeds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the decor 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 one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially simple cribs beds that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is best crib used when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what design or style you pick it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. 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 crib's packaging or in the description. Also, examine the crib frame to see whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to the suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head that could cause the entrapment of. Infants may be able to roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of 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 cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular basis will help them settle.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits for these cribs come in different designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.