Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is 18 months old old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they become too big. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in the early months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. Also the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget there are cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you're willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want a new one every time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general style of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower one should be used before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, think about a crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check cribs beds to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard, that can cause entrapment. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for 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 GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib and mattress kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.