The Most Negative Advice We've Ever Received On Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs , each with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
There are bassinets too, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require in their early months. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelving units 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 on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who don't wish to purchase a new crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
As you look for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and 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. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent 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 packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which create entrapment risks; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep 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 decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular time will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various styles to match your furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.