Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a myriad of cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to the baby's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can climb out.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months or until they are too large. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They also are smaller which makes them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should be recommended you read than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.
Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you're willing to pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are often called 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 crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are recommended you read of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have 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
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are 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 the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim 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 epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit It will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.