Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a myriad of cribs that come in different sizes, 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 compact bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. 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 climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months, or until they are large. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that infants require in their early months. cot bed sales come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would prefer.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that will grow with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want a new one every time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by a particular direction such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can 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 great for infants, while the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be set on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any defects in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
There are best crib newborn of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a 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 can also roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be used on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.