Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and babies. 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 baby. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While find out here of parents want their children to stay in a crib for as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or be taken away.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they are large. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require during their early years. They also are smaller, making them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would prefer.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also 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 loose or absent. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short of space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that have the essentials.
If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the overall theme of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower one should be used before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, since it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, look into a crib that can be converted 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 an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a danger to your child.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely have to purchase many 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 save you money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different 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.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place It should take two people less than 30 minutes to change 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 the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition 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 can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.