Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
mini cot beds is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old old or is capable of getting out.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the 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 styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you're willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who do not want to invest in a new crib every when their child grows out of the current one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For convenience You can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. 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 great for newborns, and the lower one should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick it's crucial to look 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 description. Also, check the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready for a bigger bed. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular basis will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted to a full size 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 many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.