Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety during the night.

There are many types of cribs, each with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.

Size

A crib is a compact bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide 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 lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the baby's womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or be taken away.

There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.

To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.

Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that have only the essentials.

If you have more money on a crib, you can find one that can grow with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who don't wish to purchase a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the general theme of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs beds available in natural wood or bright colors, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and Cot for sale stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.

To make life easier You can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.

Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or roll in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The mattress can be set on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the chance 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 is too big or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which 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 which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size cheap cot beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready for an additional bed. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.

You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. The conversion kits for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.