Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they are big. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early years. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
There are cribs available in many different styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money, you can find cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, Best Cot Beds the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. It's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with 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 baby cots used when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's 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 come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, look over the crib frame for any imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your child.
If you plan to buy an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib sets mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head that could cause entrapment. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner cots and tots reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place It will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler Cot Bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is a great way to extend the life of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.