Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in the early years. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be sagging or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If cribs beds intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have a limited budget there are cribs that have only the essentials.
If you have more money there are cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want a new one every time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
As you look for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction such as modern or rustic it is possible to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or lie down in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants could also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to promote safe sleep, and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed 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 old enough to be in a bigger bed. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.