Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. affordable cots are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is like the baby's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible but some children are 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 18 months old older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in their early months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you're willing spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a 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 can break or loosen over time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select, it's essential to look 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 to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head that could cause trapping. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's rest. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready for larger beds. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.