Choosing cribs beds (
https://www.cots4tots.co.Uk/) For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are several different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others may be ready to switch 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 18 months old older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are bassinets too, which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in the early months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money, you can find cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
As you look for a crib, consider its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal as this is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, examine 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 buy a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with 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 rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new items 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 can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to 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 through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.