Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a small bed that is designed for infants and babies. 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 baby. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They are also more compact which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
click here for more info 'll also find cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower position should be used prior to when your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they are a year old.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what 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 (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib frame to see if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and head that could cause the entrapment of. Infants can be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely 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 reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. cheap cots are available for various brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to transition 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 is at ease. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.