Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.

Size

A crib is a compact bed made for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the womb.

While many parents would like their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.

There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure 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 should not be loose or missing. In addition the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.

Cribs can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.

If you have more money to spend there are cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who don't want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows the current one.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are many cribs available in a variety of shapes and cot for sale styles, with natural wood or color finishes.

best rated cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, 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, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll in the bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. They usually have removable rails to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Regardless of the design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you're planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you add an infant to your family, you'll likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler best cot beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots and tots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.

It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleep. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.

If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them to adjust.

Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.