Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, all with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular 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 removed.
There are also bassinets, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in the early months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For instance, there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that can develop with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general style of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, since it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it does not 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, think about a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to make the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In best cots for newborns United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too big 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 by 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, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head that could cause trapping. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items 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 many models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that is able to 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 through their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.