Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents 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 sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old old or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in their early months. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. Additionally the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend there are cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction, such as modern or rustic it is possible to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning 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. They typically have removable rails to make the transition to a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new 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 a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to a bigger bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.
best crib for newborn is possible to 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 where the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.