Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many different types of cribs, all with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity 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. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They are also more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.

To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. Also the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of suffocation.

You can buy cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.

If you have a bit more money, you can find cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child is out of the old crib.

Style


When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in one particular direction like rustic or contemporary then you might want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in an array of distinctive shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew 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 solid construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.

For convenience, you can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they turn one year old.

The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for 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 converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. 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 description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. tots and cots will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard, that can cause entrapment. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the headboard or the wall.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing 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 of SIDS.

Conversion

When you add a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.

You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Getting your child involved 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 can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that converts to a full-size bed is a great option to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.