Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, each with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. cot sale come with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
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, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted 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 a new one every time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the general theme of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are many cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower one should be used prior to when your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head that could cause the entrapment of. Infants could also fall onto the mattress or get trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's rest. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit 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, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts into a full-size bed is a great way to prolong the life of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.