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 it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they become too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in various designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have a limited budget there are cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you're willing spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who do not need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is in a particular direction, such as modern or rustic it is possible to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower one is recommended before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, as this is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's 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 various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once cots offers have your crib and mattress kit in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.