Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and babies. There are browse around here 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, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the baby's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months or until they are big. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They are also more compact which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.
There are cribs available in many different designs and colors. Some even 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, however, you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you're willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want another one each time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home reflects one particular direction like rustic or contemporary, you may want to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the newborn stage. This type crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib frame to see if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into 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 reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that create entrapment risks; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
It is essential to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a 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 is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match your other furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.