Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they are large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They are also more portable 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 the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have a limited budget there are cribs that have only the essentials.
If you have more money there are cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want a new one every time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home reflects a particular direction such as modern or rustic it is possible to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower one should be used before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. They usually have removable rails to make the transition from a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
best cots uk of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely 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
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save 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 various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for 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. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once best cot newborn and crib conversion kit are in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. nursery cots are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.