Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in a crib for as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not 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 risk of suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in different styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse 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're willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who don't need to buy an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the general theme of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
There are cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or lie down in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, because it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so 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 for as long as possible, then think about a crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Whatever style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is either too large 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 that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child 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. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your 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 create a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.
