Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, all with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable 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, whereas others might be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be taken away.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in the early years. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also 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 must not be loose or missing. Also, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of designs and colors. best cot beds come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you're willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction such as modern or rustic it is possible to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower one should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard that could cause the entrapment of. Infants may also fall onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adjust.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.