Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety during the night.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to that of the baby's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can be removed.
There are also bassinets, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in their early years. They also are smaller, making them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. In addition the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs with the essentials.
If you're willing to pay a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who do not need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
top rated cots are safe sleeping places for infants. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or lie down in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then think about a crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
full report if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready for a bigger bed. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in various styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.