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Huang Mckay posted an update 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby’s development. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to switch to a toddler’s crib sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or climb out.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months or until they are large. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure your child’s safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib’s frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child’s legs or head and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs are available in a variety of styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. If you’re short on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include the essentials.
If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don’t want to purchase a new one every time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby’s nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the general style of your home, regardless of whether it’s rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As cribs beds of child safety evolved 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 equipped with features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby’s safety and wellbeing.
You’ll also find cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. However, it’s not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The crib’s mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn’t allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you’re planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. 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 its description. Also, check the crib’s frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you’re planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby’s crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress’ sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing “breathable” crib mattress that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby’s carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you add a new baby to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child’s crib, whether it’s a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of 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 federal safety standards.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in larger beds. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving top rated cots of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.