Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are many cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to and are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to move to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are bassinets too, which can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. Additionally, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
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 daybeds and 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 when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select one that is in line with the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. This kind of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them 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 newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for 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. They typically have removable rails to allow the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from the suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase lots of new items. small cot beds Cots 4 Tots UK includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert 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 many models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleep. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses 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 federal safety standards.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.