Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7098/776/bellababy-baby-bedside-sleeper-bassinet-for-safe-co-sleeping-storge-bag-easy-to-assemble-easy-folding-portable-crib-for-newborn-infants-776.jpg)Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs have wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they are large. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. Also, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
You can purchase top ranked cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you have more money on a crib, you can find one that will develop with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction like rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
For ease of use You can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great crib for babies, and the lower position is recommended before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid 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 become loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to make the transition from an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. 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 packaging of the crib or in the 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're looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to the suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small cot beds could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising ”breathable” crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A Baby Cot Bed joining your family typically leads to an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you 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 purchased for various brands of cots offers, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. You should do this before your child turns two 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 is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
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 where the crib is. Offering your child a selection 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 convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide the bed your child needs through their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.