Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial part of your baby's life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can climb out.
There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in the early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be sagging or missing. In addition the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. Read Full Report are especially useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the style of the nursery. If the design of your home is in an inclination such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
For ease of use You can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended to 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 levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower one should be used before your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, because it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
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 from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.