Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety at night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to, and most are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. best infant cribs of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they are large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be bought in different styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child is out of the old one.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib when 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 setting works well for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby 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 spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. 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 the description. Also, check the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering 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 also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that converts to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.