Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others may be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or can climb out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months or until they are too large. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in the early years. They also are smaller and therefore a great option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget there are cribs that only have the essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the current one.
Style
As you look for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home reflects a particular direction, such as modern or rustic then you might want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
To make life easier, 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 up or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they are a year old.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for 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 can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one 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 is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and head which can lead to trapping. cots 4 tots could also fall onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you'll likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys 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 cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that converts to a full-size bed is an excellent way to prolong the life of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.