Choosing
Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, each with different dimensions styles, designs, 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 made for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the baby's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or
affordable cots headboard, since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the style of the
nursery cots. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction like modern or rustic, you may want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could 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 position is ideal for infants, while the lower setting should be used before your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation,
great crib which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib
best cot beds that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head, that can cause trapping. Infants may also fall onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible
cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to suit 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'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. 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-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to prolong the life of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.