Beware Of These "Trends" Concerning Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib lets them 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 dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are several different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep.
best rated cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They also are smaller and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be loose or absent. Also, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a a limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that can grow with your child into toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want another one each time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. 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 works well for newborns. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family can result in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that converts into a full size bed is an excellent way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.