Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they become too large. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with the essentials.
If you're willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or 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 a new one every time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower one is recommended before your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they reach the age of a year.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you select regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any flaws in the wood or paint that could pose a danger to your child.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If best rated cribs is too large or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. 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 usually results in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you 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 a variety of brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleeping. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. 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 relaxing for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs throughout 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 or full size.