Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.
While best cot beds Cots 4 Tots would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or can be taken away.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months, or until they are too big. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would like.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. Also the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a a limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you're willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not wish to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are able to climb or stand. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then think about a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will need to buy 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 this in place before your child turns two to ensure that 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 bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.