This Week's Top Stories Concerning Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs available, but they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in a crib for as long as they can however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.
There are also bassinets which can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that some infants need during their first few months. They also come in smaller sizes, making them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. Additionally the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget there are cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you have a little more money, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who do not want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by a particular direction, such as modern or rustic it is possible to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position is recommended before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, because it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet 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 compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head, that can cause trapping. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the wall or headboard.
cots 4 tots which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which 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 a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for a bigger bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place it will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving your child 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 will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great option to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be used on numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.