Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as is possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they are big. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
There are cribs available with a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money to spend, you can find cribs that will grow with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child grows out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home reflects an inclination like rustic or contemporary it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became 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 focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
There are cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower setting is recommended before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.
best rated cribs can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you're contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly within the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
Having 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 the bed your child needs throughout their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.