Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, each with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in their early years. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you're willing spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who don't need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in a particular direction such as modern or rustic it is possible to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can 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 position is suitable for babies. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then look into a crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition from a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants may also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is 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 once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by giving 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 bed arrangement.
A crib that converts to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.