Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many different types of cribs, all with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, 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 are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to the womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or climb out.

Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they are big. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.

Cribs can be bought in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can feed your baby cots online in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.

If you have more money there are cribs that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they have.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home reflects a particular direction, such as modern or rustic it is possible to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with many unique shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.

For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have 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 could make it easier to get out.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The mattress can be set on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, look into a crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

No matter what style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your Baby beds's body. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes 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 and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots to tots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

It is essential to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to a bigger bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. 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.

You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving 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 on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that converts into a full size bed is a great option to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.