Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as they can but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in their early months. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For instance, there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you're willing to spend a little extra, 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 and can be a good choice for parents who don't want to invest in a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home reflects one particular direction such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or lie down in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to facilitate the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for best crib on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to the suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head that could cause trapping. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.