Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are a variety of cribs with different 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 bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to that of the mother's womb.

Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib sets is a standard crib that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or is capable of getting out.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they become too big. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness 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 type of bedding your child will prefer.

To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

You can buy cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have the essentials.

If you have more money there are cribs that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.

Style

When choosing a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery cots. If the style of your home is influenced by a particular direction such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.

For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your Baby Cot Bed grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in 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 a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

Whatever style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger for your baby.

If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib sets mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard which can lead to entrapment. Infants may be able to roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready for a bigger bed. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.

A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.