Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs as long as is possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months or until they are too big. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require during their first few months. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. Additionally the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
There are cribs available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you are willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want another one each time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in a particular direction such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience You can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. browse around here What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal because it 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 the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. 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, check the crib frame to see if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If cot beds plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from the suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new things such as 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. cot beds are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready for larger beds. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.