Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many cribs that come in different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is like the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they are too big. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure website of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you're willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction such as modern or rustic then you might want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. However, 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 have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for infants, while the lower position should be used before your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance 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 for flaws in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into 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 and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in various designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.