Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many types of best rated cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to, and most are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the womb.

While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs as long as is possible, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can be removed.

There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in the early months. They also are smaller and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would like.

To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. Also, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.

Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the best crib for newborn. If, however, you are limited in space and have a a limited budget, Best Cot for newborn you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.

If you're willing invest a little more, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows the current one.

Style

If you are in the market for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You might want to choose one that is in line with the general theme of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.

You'll also find cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower position should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.

The crib's mattress can be perched on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, think about a crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Whatever style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous 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 reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size cheap cot beds could help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that 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 a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.

When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.

A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adjust.

A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in different designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be used on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.