Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. 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 cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment like the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or can be taken away.
There are also bassinets, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. In addition the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as 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 more money, you can find cribs that can grow with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who don't wish to purchase 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 your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by an inclination such as modern or rustic, you may want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the newborn stage. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier 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 great for babies, and the lower one should be used before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. 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 must be secure and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any flaws in the wood or paint which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading 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 dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. best cots include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard which can lead to entrapment. Infants could also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life 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 to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
most recommended cribs if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready for larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is 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.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that converts to a full size bed is a great way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in various styles to match your other furniture pieces and are suitable for many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.