Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is like the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they are too large. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be infant cot bed of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
You can buy cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money there are cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the general style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of designs and shapes and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
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 base, since it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They usually have removable rails to make the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save 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 various models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleep. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to sleep at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great way to prolong the life of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.