Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and toddlers. There are several different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to that of the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months, or until they are too big. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early months. They are also more compact which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Cribs are available in different designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you have a little more money there are cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want a new one every time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by a particular direction such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower one is recommended before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent 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 you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select it's crucial to look 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 with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see whether 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 lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new items such as toys and cots4tots.co.uk clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and 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, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is an excellent way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.