Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part 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 a variety of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to the womb.

While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs as long as possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler cot bed sales sooner than others. The most recommended cribs commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.

Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months, or until they are big. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.

If you have more money there are cribs that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who do not want to invest in another crib every when their child grows out of the current one.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction like modern or rustic it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.

There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower one is recommended before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and baby cots online Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any flaws in the wood or paint that could pose a danger for your baby.

If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head which can lead to entrapment. Infants may also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in 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

A cheap baby cots joining your family usually results in an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler 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 are available for various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.

If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler cot bed sales more comfortable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide the bed your child needs through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.