Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe in the evening.

There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a small bed made for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your child. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the womb.

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

There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be loose or cot for sale absent. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.

You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. However, if you are short on space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the essentials.

If you're willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child grows out of the old one.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.

You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they reach the age of a year.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib 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. They usually have removable rails to allow the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

No matter what style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.

If you're looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to inhalation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be risky for your baby cots on sale because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as 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 that means they have low chemical emissions cot for sale better indoor air quality.

It is essential to choose the best crib mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleep. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to larger beds. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with 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 room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.

A crib that converts into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.