Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and toddlers. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs as long as possible but some children are 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 from birth until they reach 18 months old, or can climb out.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They are also more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs with the essentials.
If you are willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by an inclination such as modern or rustic, you may want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
cheap cot bed have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience You can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to make the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your child.
If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side or between the head and footboard, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants may be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
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 that they have an enjoyable sleep. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Involving your child in the transition by offering 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 bed arrangement.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. 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.