Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety at night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib sets is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or they can climb out.
There are also bassinets, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some even 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 limited on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that have the essentials.
If you have more money, you can find cribs that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great crib choice for parents who don't want another one each time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be dangerous, as your Baby Cot may get trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing ”breathable” crib mattresses that they claim will help your baby cots online sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in 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
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 convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best baby cots to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/1171/love-for-sleep-space-saving-cot-100x50cm-with-drawer-and-free-deluxe-quilted-aloe-vera-mattress-white-1171.jpg)Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in a variety of designs to complement your other furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/780/costway-baby-bedside-crib-easy-folding-cot-bed-with-mattress-all-side-mesh-storage-shelf-and-travel-bag-height-adjustable-newborn-sleeper-for-birth-to-9kg-dark-grey-780.jpg)
