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 during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For instance, there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't need to buy another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles 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. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use You can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or lie down in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to see whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head, that can cause entrapment. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is Best cot for newborn from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits for these cribs come in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.