Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your child. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is like the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as they can but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months, or until they are too large. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require in the early years. They also are smaller which makes them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. browse around here should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you are willing to invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not wish to purchase a new crib every time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier You can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower position should be used before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they are a year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal as this is considered to be more durable 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 pose an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from the suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head that could cause trapping. Infants can also fall on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys 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 help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your requirements. 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.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Getting your child involved 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 at a regular time can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.