Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months or until they become too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For best cots for newborns , there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're short of space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want another one each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If cots to tots of your home is influenced by an inclination like rustic or contemporary, you may want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or lie down in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or 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 should be firm and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from the suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for larger beds. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place It will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them adjust.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be used on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.