Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to the baby's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in different styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If top rated cots have a little more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can develop with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. 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 crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities 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 head and footboard that 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 that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is 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 once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit It will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.