Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. Also, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in a variety of designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. However, cot bed sales 's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, look into a crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from the suffocation. 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, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses 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. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add a new baby to your family, you will likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.