Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate 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 supportive and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs as long as possible, some will be 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 your child is 18 months old old or is capable of climbing out.
There are homepage , that can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't 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 various styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you're willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who don't need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the overall theme of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one 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 springs made of metal as this is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you select. 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 see whether there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head which can lead to trapping. Infants may also fall onto the mattress or get trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to a bigger bed. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
You 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. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
affordable cots that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be used on many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.