Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety at night.
There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to and are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs as long as they can however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they become too big. 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 also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child will prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be sagging or missing. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the headboard or footboard since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in various designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If cot beds for sale on space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child is out of the old one.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower position should be used before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be set on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden 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 potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into 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 an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict 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's frame for defects in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that create entrapment risks; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are 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.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great option to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in various styles to match your other furniture pieces and are suitable for various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.