Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or Best Cot Beds is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require in their early months. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the headboard or footboard since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want a new one every time their child grows out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
As you look for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the general theme of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your best baby cots's well-being and safety.
There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the infant stage. This kind crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib sets for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into an infant cot bed bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head, that can cause entrapment. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child is at ease with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for 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 consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional Mini Cot Bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.