Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety in the evening.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old old or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they become too big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. Also the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that include the essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend, you can find cribs that will grow with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who do not need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in an inclination like rustic or contemporary then you might want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As Best cot for newborn of child safety grew and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls 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 well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. cheap cot beds is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower setting should be used before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy 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 looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition to a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
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 (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged 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.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit It will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.