Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the mother's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they are large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in their early years. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for death by suffocation.
You can buy cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction like rustic or contemporary then you might want to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. Initially, small cot beds were simply cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or lie down in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, because it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent 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's frame to see if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head, that can cause trapping. Infants could be able to roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
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 an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs through their teens. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.