10 Signs To Watch For To Find A New Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe at night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they become too big. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early years. They are also more compact which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would prefer.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be sagging or missing. 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 chance of suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you have a bit more money there are cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. It's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb as 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 position is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they are a year old.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with 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 can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the 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 are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. good cribs will decrease the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly into 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 crib's sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.