Choosing
Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles 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 made for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to, and most are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their
Baby Cot Bed in the crib for as long as they can, but others may be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or they can be removed.
There are bassinets too, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also are smaller, making them a good alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you are willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who do not need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they have.
Style
As you look for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction like rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. 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 ideal for infants, while the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition to a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter 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. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, check the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be risky 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, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head, that can cause trapping. Infants could be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of
best cots for newborns and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
It is crucial to select the
best crib for newborn mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come 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 the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. It is
best cots to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.
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A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.