Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a myriad of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are Best cot for newborn of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early years. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal because it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's 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 a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and 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 prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of 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. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you 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 cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place It will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent 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 many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.