Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a myriad 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 bed that is made for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to, and most are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets, which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. Also the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that have only the bare essentials.
If you are willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds 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 the current one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful colors, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. They were initially cradles which 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, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they are a year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, think about a crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select, 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 compliance with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly within the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head that could cause entrapment. Infants can also roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will promote safe sleep, and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
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When you welcome an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleeping. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.