Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

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

There are many different types of cribs, all with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate 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 comfortable and supportive environment similar to that of the womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is 18 months old 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 cots on cot sale - similar website - is large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that infants require during their first few months. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.

Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.

If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good cribs choice for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.

For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. 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 heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower one should be used before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens before they are a year old.

The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to make the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or wood that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which create entrapment risks; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes tots and cots other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce 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 can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.

When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll need to purchase 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 goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys 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 to a full size bed is a great option to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.