Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to room, and most are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be taken away.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you are willing to invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
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 might want to choose one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use You can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with 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 with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will help reduce the chance 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 is either too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard that could cause trapping. Infants could also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is recommended cribs from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. most recommended cribs in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. most recommended cribs is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place It will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving 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 adjust.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.