Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe at night.
There are many cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your child. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in the early years. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For instance, there should be no gaps greater 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, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby while in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that have only the essentials.
If you are willing to invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in an inclination, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with 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 best used when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you are planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
cots offers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you will likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You'll need 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 two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to 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. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.