Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development.
read review lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive 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, whereas others might be ready move 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 around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they are big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.
You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money there are cribs that can grow with your child into toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas.
infant cot bed are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
For convenience You can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by 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, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place It will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is a great option to extend 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 a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.