Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many different types of cribs, all with different dimensions, 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 tiny bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.

While many parents would like their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.

There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would prefer.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.

You can purchase cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a a limited budget there are best rated cribs that only have the basic necessities.

If you have more money, you can find cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child is out of the old crib.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery cots of your baby. If the design of your home reflects an inclination, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or roll over in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.

The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm cots and tots tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the best crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you're planning to buy 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 a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be risky, since your baby cot online could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.

It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready for an additional bed. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.

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 provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.