Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety at night.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple 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 many types of cribs, however all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as they can but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they are too big. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. In addition the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that have the essentials.
If you are willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. 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 a new crib every when their child grows out of the current one.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the style of the nursery. If the design of your home reflects one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up 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 position is suitable for babies. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In cots 4 tots United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which create entrapment risks and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel 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 in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to 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 a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.