Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety at night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
best crib for newborn prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be removed.
There are also bassinets, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in their early months. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. Also, the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. This kind crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or roll in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't 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, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose 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. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready for an additional bed. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place It should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
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 located. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adjust.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is an excellent way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.