Choosing cribs beds (website link) For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety at night.

There are a variety of cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room, and most are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.

Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.

There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also are smaller which makes them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would prefer.

To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. Also the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.

You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.

If you are willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the crib they have.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.

You'll also find cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. It's not recommended cribs that you use this type of great crib if your child is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens before they are a year old.

The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, think about a crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

No matter what style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, check the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go cot for sale the firmest one you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which 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 typically leads to an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for best infant cribs many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.

If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.

You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adjust.

A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.