Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many types of cribs, each with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to change to a toddler's bed 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 they can be taken away.

Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months or until they are too big. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.

To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. Also the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.

You can purchase cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have a limited budget there are cribs that just feature the basic necessities.

If you are willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child is out of the old crib.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by an inclination like modern or rustic it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially simple good cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.

For ease of use You can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb because 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 setting is ideal for babies, and the lower one should be used before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.

The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

No matter what style or design you choose it's crucial 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 are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, examine the crib frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you're contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib 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 trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in good cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.

It is essential to choose the best crib mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleep. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit It will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.

A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be used on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.