Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to that of the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
recommended you read can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they are big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that infants require during their first few months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If This Internet page have a bit more money, you can find cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the general style of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As cheap cots of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for infants, while the lower one should be used before your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they are a year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any flaws in the wood or paint that could pose a danger to your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants could be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys 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 purchases and 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, which means they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be used on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.