Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. Cots 4 Tots come with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in the early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. Additionally the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
There are cribs available in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home reflects one particular direction like rustic or contemporary then you might want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower position is recommended before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they are a year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats which can break or become loose 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 converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which create entrapment risks; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed 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 can result in an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready for an additional bed. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.