Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it 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, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.

Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.

There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early months. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.

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

Cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget there are cribs that have only the essentials.

If you have a bit more money to spend there are cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. cots offers are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want a new one every time their child is out of the old crib.

Style

If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction like rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.

To make life easier You can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.

Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or lie down in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.

The crib's mattress can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, look into a crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to make the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that adhere to 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 conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.

If you're looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.

There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to 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 and family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.

When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.

A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.

A crib that converts into a full-size bed is an excellent way to prolong the life of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.