Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety during the night.

There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to room and are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.

Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to move to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or climb out.

Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months, or until they become too big. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need 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 to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of suffocation.

You can buy cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.

If you're willing pay a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 good cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the old one.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in an inclination such as modern or rustic 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 with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.

There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It can 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 setting is great for babies, and the lower one is recommended before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they reach the age of a year.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal because it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, think about a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. If the mattress 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 sides of the crib.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size cot beds for sale can save you money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.

It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.

A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable Best cot for newborn your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent 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 at a regular schedule will help them settle.

A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in a variety of designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.