Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and toddlers. 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 that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others may be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months, or until they become too big. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that only have the essentials.
If you have more money to spend there are cribs that will grow with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home reflects a particular direction, such as modern or rustic, you may want to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to make the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to inhalation. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be hazardous 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 that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths 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 mattress and the side or between the footboard and head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants may also fall onto the mattress or become trapped between the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
You can make the transition from a crib 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 located. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time will help them settle.
best 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 gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.