Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, styles, 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 that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment like the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or be removed.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months, or until they are large. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early months. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that will grow with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. It is possible to pick an option that fits the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For ease of use You can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. 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 heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or roll in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger for your baby.
If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots. best cots come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is at ease. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.