Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety in the evening.
There are many types of cribs, all with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they become too big. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early months. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should 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 of the child to suffocate.
You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby while in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the bare essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler mini cot beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is in a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or Mini cotbed vibrant finishes, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or roll over in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, as this is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or loosen over time. The base should be firm tots and cots tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported 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 dangers, such as 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 risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in Baby Cots online cots (Https://Intern.Ee.Aeust.Edu.Tw)'s own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. It is best crib for newborn to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child will be at ease with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including 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 toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular time will help them settle.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.