Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial part of your baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.

There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to that of the mother's womb.

Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be removed.

Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months, or until they are too large. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would prefer.

To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.

Cribs can be bought in various designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that have only the essentials.

If you have a bit more money there are cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home reflects one particular direction such as modern or rustic it is possible to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.

There are cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the infant stage. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they are a year old.

The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more stable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, look into a crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you select. 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. In addition, examine the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger to your baby.

If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they may become 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 other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants can also fall onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.

If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.

A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is an excellent way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.