Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, each with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others might be ready change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old old or is capable of climbing out.
There are bassinets too, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They are also more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be missing or loose. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget there are cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that can develop with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose an option that fits the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or lie down in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, because it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any defects in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your child.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received 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 side or between the footboard and head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants may also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is Baby Cot Bed that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
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 they get an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule will help them settle.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in various designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.