Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety 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 come with 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 similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used 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 bassinets too, that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require during their early months. They are also more compact which makes them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be missing or loose. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs are available in different designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're short of space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Baby beds
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Baby Cot include features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
For convenience You can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower one should be used prior to when your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more sturdy 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 air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you select. 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. In addition, examine the crib frame for any defects in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to the suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted 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 a variety of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your requirements. 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.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place, it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that converts into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and can be used on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.