Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some best rated cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the baby's womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.

There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.

To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.

Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.

If you are willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option cot for sale parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction like rustic or contemporary it is possible to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.

For convenience You can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This type crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they turn one year old.

The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib sets's packaging, or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood that could pose a danger for your baby.

If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most recommended cribs common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' 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 other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized 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 can result in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you 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 many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.

It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.

When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll require a toddler best cot bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit It should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.