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 at night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs have wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs as long as they can however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months or until they are too large. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be sagging or missing. Additionally the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that can develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of designs and shapes, 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 understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, appropriate 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 that have a changing table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll in bed. browse around here happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
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 chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving 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 toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs come in a variety of designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be used on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.
