Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. 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 are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the baby's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or can climb out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months or until they are large. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require during their early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. In addition the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
There are cribs available with a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you're willing invest a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who do not need to buy another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects one particular direction like modern or rustic then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier You can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have 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 recommended when your baby can sit up or roll in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. 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 must be secure and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib frame for any imperfections in the wood or paint which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard which can lead to entrapment. Infants could also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. top ranked cribs will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready for an additional bed. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is a great option to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.