Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.

There are a variety of cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.

Size

A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.

While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as is possible, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.

There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child will prefer.

To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.

You can buy cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.

If you are willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who do not need to buy another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, consider the design 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, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, because it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.

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

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your baby.


If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head which can lead to trapping. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or get trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.

best cots uk is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.

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 best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.