Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs have wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old old or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months, or until they are too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They also are more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of 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 must not be missing or loose. Also, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you are willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. cot sets are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want a new one every time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the newborn stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or roll in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be set on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. 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 in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine whether there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head which can lead to trapping. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted 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 are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the best mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great option to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.