Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a 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 equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. For top rated cots , there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
There are cribs available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you're willing pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the style of the nursery. If the style of your home is in a particular direction such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand 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 the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as possible, then think about a crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you're planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants could be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in larger beds. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.