Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs, all with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. top rated cots come with wheels that let them be moved from room to, and most are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be removed.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in their early months. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.
Cribs are available in various styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction like rustic or contemporary it is possible to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted 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 incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or lie down in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, since it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Whatever style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from the suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to 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 change the crib into an adult size bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the life of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.