Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are many cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. 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 risk of death by suffocation.
You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that include the essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend there are cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose an option that fits the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb, as it could 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 is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single piece of 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 durable than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or get trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. cheap cot bed in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
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 a comfortable sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam 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.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that converts into a full-size bed is a great way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.