Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with different dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. cot beds for sale searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be taken away.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they are too big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be loose or missing. Also the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget there are cribs that have only the bare essentials.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower one is recommended before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick, 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 and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous 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 accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve 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 the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys 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 the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. cheap cot beds can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis will help them settle.
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 provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.