Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial 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 at night.

There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is like the baby's womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of getting out.

Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months, or until they are large. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for suffocation.

Cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.

If you are willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows their current one.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.

For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

No matter what design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you're looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and head, that can cause trapping. Infants may be able to roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the wall or headboard.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising “breathable” crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can save you 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 many brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.

If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the 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 toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in various styles to match your furniture pieces and can be used on many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.