Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in their early months. They also are smaller which makes them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Full Statement can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you have more money, you can find cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to facilitate the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its 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 planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is essential to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in different designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.