Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and babies. 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 child. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others may be ready to move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can climb out.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in their early months. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer 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 should be no gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that have the essentials.
If you have more money, you can find cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want another one each time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects an inclination like modern or rustic it is possible to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
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 that can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick 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 determine whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants could also fall onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of 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 adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleeping. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give small cot beds of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.