Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.

There are a myriad of cribs that come in different dimensions, 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 specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but all are 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. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to that of the mother's womb.

Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.

Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months or until they are too large. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early years. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in various designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have a limited budget there are cribs that have only the basic necessities.

If you have a little more money to spend, you can find 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 option for parents who don't want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery cots of your baby. If the design of your home is in one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your Baby Cots On Sale's safety and wellbeing.

For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for infants, while the lower position is recommended before your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they reach the age of a year.

The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. 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 must be secure and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

No matter what style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your baby.

If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small cot beds could pose risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.

There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and head which can lead to entrapment. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which convert 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 a variety of top rated cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.

No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's rest. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in larger beds. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.

It is possible to 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 toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.