Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with 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 bed designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs, however all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. 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 safe environment that is like the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others may 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 around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you’re not certain what type of bedding your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. For Cots 4 tots instance, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be loose or missing. Also the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, as these can trap a child’s head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased 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 useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you’re short of space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you’re willing pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who do not need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the style of the nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today’s cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby’s safety and wellbeing.
You’ll also find cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens before they turn one year old.
The crib’s mattress can be set on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or cribs beds spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it’s 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 cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an best infant cribs‘s bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by 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, look over the crib frame Best cot for newborn any imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby’s bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that’s too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now selling “breathable” crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby’s own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night’s rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts to a full-size bed is an excellent way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.