Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe in the evening.

There are many types of cribs, all with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to, and most are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.

While many parents would like their children to stay in a crib for as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or can climb out.

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

Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be sagging or missing. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.

Cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.

If you're willing pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows their current one.

Style

When choosing 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 overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.

There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower setting should be used before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens before they turn one year old.

The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, because it is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.


Safety

It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you plan to buy a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from the suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is affordable cots that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you add an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which convert 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 purchased for many brands of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for two people.

You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great 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 a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.