Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. most recommended cribs can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or can be removed.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months, or until they are too big. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in the early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child will 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 not be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects an inclination like modern or rustic, you may want to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that include 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 climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.
best cots come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower setting should be used before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they turn one year old.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, since it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you're planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress 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 is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is either 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 sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities 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 footboard, which create entrapment risks and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted 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 can be bought for various brands of cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once best cots have your mattress and crib kit it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys 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.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.