Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they are large. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. 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 being suffocated.
Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't wish to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal since it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger to your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's rest. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time will help them settle.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.