Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.

There are many cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a compact bed made for infants and toddlers. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.

Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can climb out.

There are also bassinets which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require during their early years. They also come in smaller sizes, making them a good alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would prefer.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

You can purchase cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.

If you have a bit more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want another one each time their child grows out of the old crib.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction such as modern or rustic then you might want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.

To make life easier, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.

The mattress of a crib can be set on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Whatever design or style you pick it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the wood or paint that could pose a danger for your baby.

If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.

There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head which can lead to entrapment. Infants could also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.

A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great way to prolong the life of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.