Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the baby's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs for as long as possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they are too large. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They also are more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can grow with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in a particular direction, such as modern or rustic then you might want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. This kind crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger 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 lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and head, that can cause trapping. Infants could be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing into 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
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is at ease. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
Cots 4 Tots can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great method 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 match other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.