Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many types of cribs, all with different dimensions styles, designs, Mini cot beds and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the womb.

While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be removed.

There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great crib option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for death by suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.

If you're willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home reflects an inclination, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.

You'll also find cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the newborn stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can 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 ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby cots on sale begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they reach the age of a year.

The mattress can be set on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be tight and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you select 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 from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleep. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them to adjust.

A crib that converts to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.