Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.
There are also bassinets, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in the early months. They also are smaller, making them a good alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would prefer.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
You can buy cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you are willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
As you look for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. You might want to choose an option that fits the general style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. It's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to make the transition to a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you plan to buy an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head, that can cause trapping. Infants can also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is see more from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is essential to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have 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 moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various styles to match your furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.