Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. good cribs helps them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps you both 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 compact bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be taken away.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they are large. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would prefer.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you are willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. However, it's not recommended to 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 have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they reach the age of a 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 steel spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you add a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose between best rated cribs or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. 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 safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time 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 offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.