Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can be removed.
There are also bassinets which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also are more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
There are cribs available in many different styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you have more money to spend there are cribs that can expand with your child to toddler cot beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. You might want to choose an option that fits the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs beds that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is best baby cots used when your baby can sit up or lie down 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 wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the 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 packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to trapping. Infants could also roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of online cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different 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 satisfies federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to prolong the life of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and can be used on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.