Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.

There are a variety of cribs, each with different dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the womb.

While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.

There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for cribs it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.

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

You can buy cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some have 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. However, if you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget there are cribs that just feature the essentials.

If you're willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the old one.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the overall style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.

For convenience You can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or best cot bed climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they are a year old.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and cheap baby cots for sale (similar internet site) Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, check the crib's frame to see if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to inhalation. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small cot beds could be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

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

Conversion

A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.

It is important to choose the best rated cribs mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to change 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 comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.

A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.