Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles, 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 specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be removed.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a a limited budget you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If cheap cots have more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that will expand with your child to toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are many cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens before they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose 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 just click for source on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib's frame for defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to the suffocation. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is an excellent way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.