Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment like the baby's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs for as long as possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or can climb out.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. best cot bed are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have 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 must not be sagging or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by an inclination, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as 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.
There are cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb because 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 suitable for infants. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or roll in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be set on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal because it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you're contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly within the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
best cot bed of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleep. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib and mattress kit it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.