Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a small bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs available, but all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others might be ready switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be removed.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget there are cribs that have only the essentials.
If you are willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be converted 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 buy another one each time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. This kind crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could 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 works well for babies. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, 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 firm and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, examine the crib frame to see if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to inhalation. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants can be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Mini Cot Bed are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome a new baby to your family, you will likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready for a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.