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 ensure your safety in the evening.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your child. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the womb.
Some parents 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 bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. For instance, there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget there are cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend there are cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.
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. If the design of your home is in one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. cot sets What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, look into a crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one 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 risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's 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 least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with federal safety standards.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready for an additional bed. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place, it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite 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 bed arrangement.
Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.