Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets, which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and Cots4Tots.Co.Uk less bulky than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for death by suffocation.
There are cribs available in many different styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since 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 more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or roll in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for 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. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve 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 can cause the entrapment of. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add a new baby to your family, you will likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that 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 can be bought for many brands of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.