Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the baby's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of climbing 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, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in the early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
You can buy cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home reflects one particular direction like modern or rustic it is possible to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned 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 prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience You can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or roll in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more stable than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
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 the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. If the mattress 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 crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified 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 hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. best crib newborn of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.