Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety at night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your child. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.
There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would like.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
There are cribs available in many different styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have the essentials.
If you have more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that will develop with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Mini Cot Bed offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position is recommended before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you'll likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, 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 a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts into a full size bed is a great way to prolong the life of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be used on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.