Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different 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 bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs with the essentials.
If you have a little more money on a crib, you can find one that can develop with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and 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
When choosing a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower setting should be used before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress can be set on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition to an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was 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 create entrapment risks and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new items such as 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 the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering online cots of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and can be used on many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.