Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months, or until they become too large. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You might want to choose a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. This kind crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower one should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they are a 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 choosing springs made of metal as this is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to make the transition to a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available 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 is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
It is possible to 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 located. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in various styles to match your other furniture pieces and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.