Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the baby's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs as long as possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or be taken away.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months, or until they are too big. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you're willing pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the general theme of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier You can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower one is recommended before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, look into a crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what 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. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous 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 which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and head which can lead to trapping. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will promote safe sleep, and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready for an additional bed. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit It will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Getting cot for sale involved in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.