Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, each with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, Crib Sets but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that can grow with your child into toddler cot beds for sale, or even sofas and best infant cribs daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want another one each time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by an inclination such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower one should be used prior to when your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow excess 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 as long as you can, look into a crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever design or style you pick, 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, check the crib frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop 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 lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery cots. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler cheap cot 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 models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
No matter if you choose 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. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great option to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.