Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.

There are a variety of cribs, all with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed tots and cots provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is like the womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to move to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be removed.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months, or until they are too large. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.

Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that have only the bare essentials.

If you're willing pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old crib.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the general theme of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.

To make life easier, you can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your Baby Cot Bed begins to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they turn one year old.

The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, as this is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or loosen over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, look into a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Whatever 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 the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks; infants rolling 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, Baby Cot bed rashes, and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.

A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their 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 can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.