Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to that of the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others might be ready move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months, or until they become too big. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They also are smaller and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for death by suffocation.
There are cribs available in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If cot beds of space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is in one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower one should be used prior to when your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, since it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the wood or paint which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped 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 additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Baby beds in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick 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 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that converts to a full size bed is a great way to extend the life of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in different styles to match your furniture pieces and can be used on many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.