Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs as long as is possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you are willing to invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by an inclination, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. best crib newborn is not suitable for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier 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 infants. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to make the transition from a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading 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 can be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as 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 headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is at ease. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them settle.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs come in different designs to complement your other furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.