Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to 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 compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space 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 like the mother's womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or can be removed.

Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months or until they are large. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.

To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for suffocation.

Cribs are available in various styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.

If you are willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.

Style

When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.

The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, because it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be solid 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're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then think about a crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective 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 crib's packaging or in the 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 plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard, that can cause trapping. Infants could also roll onto the mattress or get trapped between it and the wall or headboard.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.

When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit It will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or 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 in which the crib is. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be used on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.