Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready to switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they become too big. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child would prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect 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 should not be missing or loose. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, think about a crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any defects in the wood or paint which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
cot beds for sale is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready for larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit, it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be used on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.