Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or climb out.
There are bassinets too, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that some infants need during their first few months. They also are smaller, making them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Cribs are available in different designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If mini cotbed of space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you're willing invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want a new one every time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the general style of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or roll in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to make the transition from an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by 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, look over the crib's frame for flaws in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your child.
If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable 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. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler 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 can be bought for a variety of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in various designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.