Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, 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 made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the baby's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. Also, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that only have the essentials.
If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who do not want to invest in another crib every when their child grows out of the current one.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in one particular direction such as modern or rustic then you might want to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
To make life easier You can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to make the transition from a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over Baby beds for flaws in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and head, that can cause trapping. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent 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 for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different 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 is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.