Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

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

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

Size

A crib is a small bed made for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to that of the mother's womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to remain in a crib for as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.

There are also bassinets, which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They are also more compact, making them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child will prefer.

To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.

Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include the essentials.

If you're willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they have.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.

You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to allow the transition from an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

When you add a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots offers, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with federal safety standards.

When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler Cot Bed or full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.

A crib that converts to a full-size bed is a great crib way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.