Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many different 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 bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you're willing pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want a new one every time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home reflects one particular direction like modern or rustic it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they are a year old.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, think about a crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. recommended you read have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib frame for any flaws in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you are 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 accidental death due to suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which create entrapment risks and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
recommended you read
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually come with 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.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.