Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, each with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to, and most are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they are too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend, you can find cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want a new one every time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by an inclination such as modern or rustic it is possible to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower setting should be used before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, think about a crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. cots 4 tots have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you select. 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 description. Also, look over the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to suffocation. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.