Choosing cribs beds - use 2009 here, For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe in the evening.

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

Size

A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to the baby's womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of climbing out.

There are bassinets too, which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would like.

To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. Also the Mini Cot 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 can be bought in various designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed, 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 all the necessities.

If you have more money to spend there are cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who don't want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, consider the style 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, whether contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.

To make life easier You can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The mattress can be set on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal because it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant's cheap cot bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size cheap cot bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition from an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from 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 flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger for your baby.

If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in 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.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on 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 the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent 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 reduce the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

Adding a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of affordable cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with federal safety standards.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in larger beds. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.

A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of 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.

A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in various styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.