Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a myriad of cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready move them to a toddler's bed 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 can climb out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months, or until they are large. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you're willing spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by an inclination such as modern or rustic, you may want to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
For ease of use You can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to make the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and head, that can cause trapping. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis will help them settle.
A crib that converts into a full size bed is a great option to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. recommended you read are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.