Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be taken away.

There are bassinets too, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would like.

To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. Also, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.

Cribs are available in various styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms, crib sets as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have the essentials.

If you're willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want a new one every time their child grows out of the old one.

Style

As you look for a crib, consider its style in relation to the style of the nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls 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 as well as his wellbeing.

For convenience, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.

The crib's mattress can be set on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a 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 tight and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to make the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a danger for your baby.

If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small cot beds could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard that could cause entrapment. Infants can also fall onto the mattress or become trapped between the wall or headboard.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute 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, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cheap cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.

It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleep. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam 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 have to buy 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. 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.

A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adjust.

A crib that converts to a full size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various designs to complement your other furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.