Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby cot online safe in the evening.

There are a variety of cribs, all with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the womb.

Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others may be ready to move to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.

There are also bassinets, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.

To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. Additionally the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.

Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.

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 typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good cribs choice for parents who don't need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in an inclination such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to pick 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 colored finishes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.

For convenience, you can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.

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

The crib's mattress can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats, which may break or become loose 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, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then think about a crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

Regardless of the 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 from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you're planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from the suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

Adding a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.

It is crucial to select the best cots uk mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them adjust.

A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides a cheap cot bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.