Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for infants and toddlers. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
There are bassinets too, which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They also are smaller which makes them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of the child to suffocate.
You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the essentials.
If you are willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. best cots for newborns are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who do not want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are able to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.
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. best cot newborn is recommended when your baby can sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of 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 possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They typically have removable rails to allow the transition from the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from the suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you will likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
It is essential to choose 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. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.