Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe at night.
There are a myriad of cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They also are smaller and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that include the essentials.
If you're willing spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who don't want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the general style of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower setting should be used before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they are a year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for defects in the wood or paint that could pose a danger to your baby.
If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. cot bed sales that is too large or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert 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 are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for 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 will be at ease with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it will take less than 30 minutes to convert 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, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.