Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to establish 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, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.

Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be taken away.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months, or until they are too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't 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.

There are cribs available with a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.

If you have more money to spend there are cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous best rated cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.

There are cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the best infant cribs stage. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. 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 suitable for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.

The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats 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 can break or become loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant cot bed's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your Baby Crib's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can lead to a range 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 on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you add an infant to your family, you'll likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size mini cot beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with federal safety standards.

When your child is ready to move from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent 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 urging them to go to bed on a regular time will help them settle.

Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.