Choosing
Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as is possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The
most recommended cribs common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months or until they are big. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They also are smaller, making them a good alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget there are cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you're willing pay a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is recommended when your
baby cot online can sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size
Cot Bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search 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. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden
infant cot bed death syndrome. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants can be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you'll likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and
Baby Cot Bed your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to larger beds. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place It will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.