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 in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for infants and toddlers. There are several different types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months, or until they are big. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early years. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs are available in different designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you're willing invest a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home reflects an inclination like 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 in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. best rated cribs 's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower one is recommended before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they are a year old.
The mattress can be set on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Whatever style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to suffocation. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting 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 sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.
Having linked here that can convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different styles to match your other furniture pieces and are suitable for many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.