Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby 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, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the baby's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs as long as they can but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or climb out.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They are also more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or 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 limited on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the style of the nursery. If the design of your home is in a particular direction such as modern or rustic, you may want to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they turn one year old.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, because it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
web to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head that could cause entrapment. Infants could also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them adjust.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great option to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.