Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety in the evening.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is specifically 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 and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is like the baby's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready to move to a toddler's crib 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.
There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They also come in smaller sizes, making them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. Also the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money there are cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who don't want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose an option that fits the overall style of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. At sale cot , they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
For convenience You can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This type 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 levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.