Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or climb out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can expand with your child to toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who do not need to buy another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
reference have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, 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 learns to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they reach the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, since it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. cots offers have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head that could cause trapping. Infants could also roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new things including 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 childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit It should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert 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 bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.
A crib that converts to a full size bed is a great way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.