Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. Best cot for newborn will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs, all with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to and are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or can be removed.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they become too big. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also are smaller, making them a good alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier You can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. cheap cot beds can 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 ideal for infants, while the lower position should be used before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, since it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to allow the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Engaging 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 sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.
