Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, each with different dimensions 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 that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to and are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in a crib for as long as is possible, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They are also more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
There are cribs available in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select an option that fits the overall theme of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are able to climb or stand. 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 setting works well for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose 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, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then 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 usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. recommended cribs have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you select. In the 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. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head which can lead to entrapment. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of 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 can be bought for many brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
It is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
small cot beds that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in various designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.