Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes 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 that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to that of the mother's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others might be ready change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months or until they are large. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also are smaller which makes them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a a limited budget you can find cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend, you can find cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose an option that fits the general style of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. infant cot bed works well for babies. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal as this is believed to be more stable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any defects in the wood or paint which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place it will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.