Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment like the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months, or until they are too big. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be loose or absent. Also, This Internet page should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs are available in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you're willing pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
As you look for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general theme of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. 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, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you're planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. 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 are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be at ease with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite 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 can be converted to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the life of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.