Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are many cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than a 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 are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they are big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. what is it worth are more portable and therefore a great option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. 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 chance of the child to suffocate.
There are cribs available in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you are willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by an inclination like rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are able 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 position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll in bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, think about a crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that meet 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 crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any defects in the wood or paint which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and head that could cause entrapment. Infants may be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. 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 make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.