Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, each with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
There are good cribs , that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child will prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If cheap cots of space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that have the essentials.
If you are willing to pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the overall theme of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. This type of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal as this is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and 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 is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. 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 the description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, 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 involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard, that can cause trapping. Infants can be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new 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 save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. linked here can be bought for various brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.
Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.