Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are best rated cribs of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common 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.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months or until they are too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early years. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can buy cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who don't need to buy another crib every when their child grows out of the current one.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. It is possible to pick an option that fits the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This type of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or roll in bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you'll likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as 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 toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.