Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal 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 risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or can be removed.
There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early years. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a a limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you have more money, you can find cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction like rustic or contemporary then you might want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. cot sets is recommended when your baby can sit up or roll over in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible 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. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose 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. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which convert 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 are available for various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib 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 different sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress 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 have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to a bigger bed. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place, it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved 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 will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is a great option to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. cheap cots are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.