Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, each with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in their early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap greater 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 headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of the child to suffocate.
You can buy cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that include the essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who do not want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general style of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Baby Cot Bed are a safe place to sleep for infants. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As understanding of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
There are cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or roll over in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to 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, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk 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 either too large or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in different designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be used on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.