Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.

There are many types of cribs, all with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to that of the mother's womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months, or until they are too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in the early months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.

To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in a variety of designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.

If you're willing pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction like modern or rustic it is possible to select one that matches the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.

For homepage For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower one should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, think about a crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety


No matter what style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.

There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

When you add a new baby to your family, you will likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.

When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib and mattress kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.