Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs, however they all are 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 lower the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they become too big. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. Also the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with the essentials.
If you have more money, you can find cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in one particular direction such as modern or rustic then you might want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed 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 stable than wood slats that can break or loosen over time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to 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 which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to make the transition to an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
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 are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to the suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head which can lead to entrapment. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including 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 by offering them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.