Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. best cot newborn helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or can be taken away.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months, or until they become too big. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. Also the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs are available in different designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is in a particular direction like modern or rustic then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to allow the transition from the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
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 include a variety hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head which can lead to trapping. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready for a bigger bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that converts to a full-size bed is an excellent way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.