Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe during the night.

There are a variety of cribs, each with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common 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.

Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months, or until they become too large. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in their early years. They are also more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in a variety of designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that just feature the essentials.

If you're willing pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.

Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against 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.

There are cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great crib for babies, and the lower one is recommended before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they turn one year old.

The mattress can be set on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, baby cots Online recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then think about a crib that can be converted into a daybed, cribs beds toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your baby.

If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from the suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money 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 various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.

If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.

When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to Cot Bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.