Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others may be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they become too big. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be loose or absent. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the headboard or footboard as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you have a little more money to spend, you can find cribs that will grow with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 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
When you're looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is in an inclination, such as modern or rustic it is possible to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower setting should be used before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned 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 as it is more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select 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 and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If the mattress is 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.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and head, that can cause entrapment. Infants may also fall onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in your Baby cots online (www.cots4tots.Co.uk)'s carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.
