Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, each 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 specifically designed for infants and babies. There are most recommended cribs of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or be removed.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months or until they are big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They are also more compact, making them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to 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 sagging or missing. In addition the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that will grow with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want a new one every time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style in relation to the style of the nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition to a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib 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 fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. 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 is in compliance with the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will need to buy a full-size 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 two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is an excellent way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.