Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.
There are many different types of cribs, each with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
There are bassinets too, which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require during their first few months. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
There are cribs available in many different styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the bare essentials.
If you are willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For convenience You can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can 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 position is ideal for infants, while the lower setting is recommended before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating 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. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. 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 the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a danger to your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or 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 include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head that could cause trapping. Infants may also fall onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family can result in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready for an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once best crib newborn have your crib and mattress kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is a great option to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in various designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.