Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they are big. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. In addition the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various 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 you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If cot bed sales invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design 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 natural wood or colorful colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens 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 springs made of metal because it is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that can break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then look into a crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard 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.
cot bed sales are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome a new baby to your family, you will likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving 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 kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit It will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of 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 a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be used on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.