Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety 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 come with wheels, so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or be removed.
There are bassinets too, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. For instance, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
cheap cot beds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier You can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to 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, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition from an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed 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 an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood 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 to create a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
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. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting 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 encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.
Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various styles to match your furniture pieces and can be fitted on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.