Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they are too large. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps larger 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 of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs with the essentials.
If you're willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be set on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, think about a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for defects in the wood or paint that could pose a risk for 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 the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks; infants rolling 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 be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
cots and tots of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready for a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.