Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety during the night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. top rated cots are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the baby's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months or until they become too large. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early months. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. Also 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.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. 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 is out of the old one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the style of the nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, because it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose it's crucial to look 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. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to trapping. Infants could also fall on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleep. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.