Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe in the evening.
There are a myriad of cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they are too big. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. For example, there should 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. In addition the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you have a little more money, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If cot sales of your home is influenced by an inclination like rustic or contemporary, you may want to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from the suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that create entrapment risks and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes 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 into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once cot for sale have your crib and mattress kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.