Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe during the night.

There are many types of cribs, each with varying dimensions, 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 designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs as long as possible, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or can be taken away.

Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they are too big. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in the early years. They also are smaller, making them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would prefer.

To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

There are cribs available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.

If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't wish to purchase an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the current one.

Style

When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.

You'll also find cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. cot sales is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.

The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, since it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant 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 easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

No matter what style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your baby.


If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to the suffocation. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and head, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.

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 epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which can be converted 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 purchased for various brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to a bigger bed. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.

You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. 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 can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.