Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.

There are many types of cribs, all with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a compact bed made for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby'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 popular type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.

There are also bassinets, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be sagging or missing. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.

Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.

If you are willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who don't need to buy an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the current one.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in one particular direction such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.

For convenience You can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is best cots uk used when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. 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 be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so 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 as long as possible, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

No matter what style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search 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 packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, look over the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or wood which could pose a threat to your child.

If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to entrapment. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of online cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.

Certain things can make the transition cots to tots the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.

A crib that converts to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.