Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps both of you 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 that are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can climb out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months, or until they are big. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have a limited budget there are cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who do not need to buy another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in various designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are able to climb or stand. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower one should be used before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be set on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, because it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In recommended cribs United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over 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 mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard which can lead to entrapment. Infants may also fall onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new items, from clothes and toys 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 various brands of cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. 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.
A crib that converts to a full size bed is a great option to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.