Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with different dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to, and most are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They are also more compact which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a a limited budget, you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you are willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who do not need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You might want to choose a crib that matches the general theme of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is 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 possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, then think about a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If Full File contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to inhalation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. cot for sale that's too large or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard that could cause entrapment. Infants can also fall onto the mattress or get wedged between it and 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 believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is between 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.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.