Choosing
Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a small bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they are too large. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of suffocation.
You can buy cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can feed your
cheap baby cots for sale in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a a limited budget there are cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you have a little more money there are cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called
cots 4 tots-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't wish to purchase a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. If the design of your home reflects an inclination, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could 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 position is ideal for babies, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then look into a crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head that could cause the entrapment of. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size
cot beds could help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit It should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adjust.
A crib that converts to a full-size bed is an excellent way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be used on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.