Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.

There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to and the majority are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler Cot Bed sooner than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or be taken away.

There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in the early years. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child will prefer.

To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.

Cribs are available in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.

If you're willing pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old one.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the overall theme of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces cot for sale infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.

You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

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 choosing springs made of metal, because it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you plan to keep your baby cots online in the crib for as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as 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, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. 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 crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your needs. 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.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready for a bigger bed. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.