Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They are also more compact, making 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 example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. Also, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with the essentials.
If you have more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. If the design of your home reflects an inclination, such as modern or rustic it is possible to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. 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 in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance 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's too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard which can lead to entrapment. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome a new baby to your family, you will likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. top rated cots in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that converts into a full size bed is a great option to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be used on numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.