Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.

There are a myriad of cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.

While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old older or is capable of getting out.


Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they become too big. These are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in their early months. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be sagging or missing. Also the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.

You can purchase cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to breastfeed 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 only have the essentials.

If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that can grow with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.

Style

As you look for the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in a particular direction like rustic or contemporary then you might want to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.

For convenience You can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.

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 recommended when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then think about a crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

No matter what design or style you pick 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 and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk to 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 death from inhalation. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing 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 decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. recommended cribs in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.

No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with federal safety standards.

If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for 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 same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that converts to a full size bed is an excellent way to prolong the life of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in various styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.