Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with varying sizes, 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 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 ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the baby's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until your child is 18 months old old or is capable of climbing out.
There are bassinets too, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They are also more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be loose or absent. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you're willing invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As best cot bed of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose it's crucial 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 conformity with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new 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 leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
affordable cots of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. 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 go to bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great option to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.