Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in a crib for as long as they can however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months, or until they are too large. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They are also more compact which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a a limited budget, you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower position is recommended before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to allow the transition to a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame to see if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.
mini cotbed that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.