Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.
There are a myriad of cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they are too big. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for death by suffocation.
cot sale can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that have the essentials.
If you are willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who do not wish to purchase a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to 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 a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to make the transition from a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat to your child.
If you're contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to trapping. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose between 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 federal safety standards.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your mattress and crib kit It should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.