Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs, all with different dimensions, 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 tiny bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months, or until they become too large. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. In addition the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the bare essentials.
If you are willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child grows out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower position is recommended before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a 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 which can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as possible, then think about a crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. Read Full Report have removable rails to make the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for flaws in the wood or paint that could pose a danger to your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal 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 that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you'll likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to 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 you have your crib mattress and kit It will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts to a full-size bed is an excellent way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.