Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.
There are many cribs that come in different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months, or until they are big. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in the early years. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you are willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want another one each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is in one particular direction like modern or rustic, you may want to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are made 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.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier 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 infants. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, since it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Be crib sets that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or 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, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert 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 various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam 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.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit It should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.