Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come 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 environment similar to 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 move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They are also more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be sagging or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you have a bit more money to spend there are cribs that will grow with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home reflects an inclination such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as 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 recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then think about a crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to make the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat to your child.
If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably 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's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to entrapment. Infants may also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Visit Homepage are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform 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 can be bought for many brands of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. most recommended cribs are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. After recommended cribs and conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.