Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are a variety of cribs that come in different 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 bed that is made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the baby's womb.

While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.

Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months, or until they become too large. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in different styles and Best Crib Newborn finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that just feature the essentials.

If you are willing to pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds 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 another one each time their child grows out of the crib they have previously used.

Style

If you are in the market for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home reflects an inclination, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As 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 equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

To make life easier, you can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.

The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard 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 can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

No matter what style or design you select 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 compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame for flaws in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your baby.

If you're planning to purchase an additional 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 the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing into 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

The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of cots offers and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.

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

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to larger beds. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size best cot bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses including twin or full size.