Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. 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 types of cribs, each with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is like the baby's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until your child is 18 months old old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months or until they become too large. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be loose or missing. Also the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you're willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child is out of the old crib.
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 style of your home reflects an inclination such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby 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 heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or lie down in bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal because it is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If best cots on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to make the transition from a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you select regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly within the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants can also fall onto the mattress or get trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the 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 welcome a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready for larger beds. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.