Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.
There are many different types of cribs, all with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months or until they are too large. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a 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 chance of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you're willing pay a little more, you can buy 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 is out of the old one.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the style of the nursery. If the design of your home is in an inclination, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, This Internet page were simple cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. This kind of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position is recommended before your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they turn one year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If great crib planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier 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 sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit, it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.