Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial part of your baby's life. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but all are 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 house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment like the baby's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be removed.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months, or until they are big. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money, you can find cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who do not wish to purchase a new crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction such as modern or rustic, you may want to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more stable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head that could cause entrapment. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the wall or headboard.
best crib are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place It will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable 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 giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.