Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. Home Page will 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 myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be removed.
There are bassinets too, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They also are smaller and therefore a great option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. In addition the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want a new one every time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into an infant 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 less difficult. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever 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 to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in larger beds. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.