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 both safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, all with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a compact bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready to move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child will prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. Additionally 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 chance of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited in space and have a a limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who don't want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by an inclination like modern or rustic, you may want to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are built 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.
There are cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the newborn stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
cheap cots can be positioned on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. 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. Also, check
cot sets to determine if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported 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 include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants can be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will promote safe sleep, and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam 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 toddler beds and cribs.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is at ease. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in various styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.