Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your child. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
There are also bassinets which can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in the early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be loose or absent. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for death by suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you have a bit more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want another one each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the general theme of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower one should be used before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single piece of 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 sturdy than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you select regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for defects in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat to your child.
If you're contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported 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's side or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
cot beds for sale
When you welcome an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process 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 is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.
