Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a compact bed made for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be taken away.

There are bassinets too, which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.

To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing 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 include the essentials.

If you are willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in a particular direction like modern or rustic it is possible to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.

For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.

The crib's mattress can be positioned on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that 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 cause the risk of suffocation for infants.

If best cot bed intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you select 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 (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your baby.

If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to the suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which 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 mattress that claim to promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.

Conversion


If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them settle.

A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.