Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. top rated cots are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or can be removed.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months, or until they are big. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a a limited budget there are 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 grow with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction like modern or rustic, you may want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when 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 levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single-piece board, a 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 wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which create entrapment risks and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective 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 can help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place It should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved 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 will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
Having top rated cots that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.