Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles, 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 designed for infants and toddlers. 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 infant. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment like the mother's womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.

There are bassinets too, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. The bed should also not 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.

You can buy cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that have only the essentials.

If you have a little more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want another one each time their child outgrows the old one.

Style

As you look for the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.

You'll also find cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They typically have removable rails to make the transition to an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

No matter what style or design you select regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.

If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which create entrapment risks 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 and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

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

Conversion

If you are adding an best infant cribs to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of online cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.

It is essential to choose the best cot beds mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.

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 that you have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit, it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that converts into a full-size bed is an excellent way to prolong the life of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in various designs to complement your other furniture pieces and are suitable for various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.