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 and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or can climb out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months, or until they are big. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in their early years. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like 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. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that include the essentials.
If you're willing spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design 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, whether contemporary or rustic. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition from a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over best cots to determine if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you're looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of 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
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready for an additional bed. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once recommended cribs have your crib and mattress kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
You can 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. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs come in different designs to complement your other furniture pieces and are suitable for various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.