Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to the baby's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others may be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are also bassinets which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a a limited budget there are cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you have more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want a new one every time their child is out of the old one.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration 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 style of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are many cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
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 since it's more stable than wood slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually have removable rails to allow the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select, 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 are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve 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 into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing 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 reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety 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 a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs 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 come in various sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll 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 mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
read review can make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.