Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, each with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a small bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others might be ready move to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can be removed.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. Also the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget there are cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you are willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. It is possible to pick an option that fits the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended to use this type 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 come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head that could cause trapping. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in 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 lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. cots and tots of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is at ease. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in a variety of designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be used on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.