Choosing cribs beds (www.cots4tots.co.uk) For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many different types of cribs, all with different 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 made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the womb.

Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is 18 months old old or is capable of climbing out.

There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require during their first few months. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child will prefer.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. Also the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.

Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that have only the basic necessities.

If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that will grow with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who don't need to buy another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.

Style

When choosing a crib, consider its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction like rustic or contemporary then you might want to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles and with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made 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.

To make life easier, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they are a year old.

The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, because it is believed to be more stable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat to your child.

If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to suffocation. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard that could cause trapping. Infants could be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers now offer "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, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert 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 are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place It will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great option to extend the life of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.