Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment like the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others might be ready change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can climb out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months or until they are large. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. In cots offers , the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while still 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 are willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the general theme of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. This kind crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have 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 should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, since it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Whatever design or style you pick it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely have to purchase 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 can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.
You can make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time will help them settle.
A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great option to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.