Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe in the evening.
There are many cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. best crib for newborn searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to room, and most are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can be removed.
There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in the early years. They are also more compact which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
You can purchase cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you are willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't wish to purchase a new crib every time their child outgrows their 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. If the design of your home is influenced by an inclination, such as modern or rustic, you may want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
For ease of use You can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, as this is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition from a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths that were 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 head and footboard that create entrapment risks; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleeping. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in various styles to match your other furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.