Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety in the evening.

There are many types of cribs, each with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.

Size

A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the baby's womb.

While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.

There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of the child to suffocate.

Cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that have only the bare essentials.

If you have more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.

Style

When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You might want to choose an option that fits the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.

good cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.

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

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they are a year old.

The crib's mattress can be perched on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then look into a crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

No matter what design or style you pick it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, look over the crib frame for any imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk for small cot Beds your baby.

If you're planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can 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 accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths reported in 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 side or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you add an infant to your family, you'll likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys 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 to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.

It is important to choose the best rated cribs mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.

You will have to purchase a full-size cheap cot bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit It will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.