Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your child. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room, and most are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you have more money on a crib, you can find one that will develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who do not need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose an option that fits the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
For convenience You can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. small cot beds should be tight and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then look into a crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to allow the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any flaws in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute 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 lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.