Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety in the evening.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to that of the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old old or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they become too large. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in the early months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would like.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you have a little more money, you can find cribs that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is in an inclination like rustic or contemporary it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As tots and cots of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as possible, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick, it's essential 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 (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. tots and cots can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk 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 help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
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 involve 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 onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof 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 items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to 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 cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleep. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving 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 can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.