Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with varying dimensions and styles, as well as 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 bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs available, but they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn 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 parents infants require during their early years. They also are smaller, making them a good alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.
There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money there are cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who do not wish to purchase a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction, such as modern or rustic, you may want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. It's not recommended that you use this type 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 have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or roll over in 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 a spring-wire frame. try this What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head, that can cause trapping. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that 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 a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleeping. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. It is recommended that you 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 your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.