Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for infants and toddlers. There are several different types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be removed.
There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have the essentials.
If you have a bit more money there are cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the style of the nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction like modern or rustic then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat 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 accidental death due to suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. cot beds for sale that is either too large or too small can be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.