Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny 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 house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be removed.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months or until they are too large. These are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require during their early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is in a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. mini cot beds were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
For convenience You can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for infants, while the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens before they are a year old.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then think about a crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you're planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard, that can cause trapping. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Full File are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. 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
If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is a great option to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.