Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months or until they are too large. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
You can buy cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you are willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. 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 their crib they have.
Style
As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the style of the nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then think about a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Look for cot sales on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard, that can cause entrapment. Infants could also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
It is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready for larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is at ease. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by giving 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 help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.
Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in different styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.