Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to that of the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.
There are bassinets too, which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They are also more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.
You can buy cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you're willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the general theme of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are many cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience You can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.
cot for sale have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to make the transition to an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep, and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.