Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to 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 mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they are large. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.
There are cribs available in many different designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that only have the essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. best crib for newborn are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
As you look for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general style of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
For ease of use You can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into an infant 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 often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In best crib newborn United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome a new baby to your family, you will likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are 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 to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.