Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money to spend, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more stable 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 possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk for your baby.
If best crib newborn are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety 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, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life 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 a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.