Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months or until they are large. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. Additionally, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs are available in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend there are cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want another one each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select an option that fits the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal as this is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition from a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any flaws in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save 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 include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. best cots uk will ensure that they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in larger beds. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.