Choosing
Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to, and most are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can be removed.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months or until they are too large. These are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in their early years. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the
best crib for newborn frame and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a a limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
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 reflects a particular direction such as modern or rustic then you might want to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set 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 durable than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you are planning to keep your
baby cots online in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose it's crucial to look for
Top Rated Cots cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on a
best crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an
infant cot bed to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
