Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe during the night.
There are great crib of cribs, each with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs have wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the baby's womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months or until they are too big. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be loose or missing. Additionally, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while 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're willing pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the crib they have.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is in a particular direction, such as modern or rustic it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are best rated cribs with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
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 recommended when your baby can 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, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then look into a crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to the suffocation. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them settle.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.