Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial part of your baby's life. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe at night.

There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a small bed designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the mother's womb.

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

Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they are big. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that infants require in the early years. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.

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

You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that have the essentials.

If you're willing spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who don't want to invest in a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.

Style

As you look for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in an inclination, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in an array of distinctive shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like 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 combine with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. This kind of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or lie down in bed. This usually happens around the age of a 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 springs made of metal because it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, think about a crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you select. 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 the description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.

If you plan to buy a new mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk 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 is too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib cot beds for sale that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head, that can cause trapping. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items, from clothes 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 into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.

When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your best crib newborn mattress and kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys cots and tots stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.

Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.