Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe in the evening.
There are a myriad of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months or until they are large. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in the early years. They are also more compact, making them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a a limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you're willing invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. You might want to choose an option that fits the overall style of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or lie down in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, since it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible 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 which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as 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 hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head that could cause entrapment. Infants could also roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place It should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed 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 lifespan of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.