Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. 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, all with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a small bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to the baby's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in a crib for as long as they can, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common 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 getting out.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they are big. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early years. They are also more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be sagging or missing. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want a new one every time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. cot for sale might want to choose a crib that matches the general style of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
To make life easier You can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then think about a crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. cot sale have removable rails to allow the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from 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 defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger to your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head that could cause entrapment. Infants could also roll onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is cot sale from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.