Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby Cot Bed
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room, and most are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to move to a toddler's crib sooner. The most recommended cribs common type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months or until they are too big. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child would prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. Additionally the cot bed sales should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have a limited budget there are cribs that have only the essentials.
If you're willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are known as 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 old crib.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select an option that fits the general theme of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for infants, while the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal since 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 tight and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower 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. If the mattress is too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head, that can cause entrapment. Infants can also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new items including toys and clothes 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 childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for 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 a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib sets into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that converts to a full size bed is a great option to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.