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

Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night.

There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a compact bed made for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or can be removed.

There are also bassinets, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in various designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a a limited budget there are cribs that have only the essentials.

If you're willing invest a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child grows out of the old one.

Style

If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is influenced by a particular direction, such as modern or rustic, you may want to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.

For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower one is recommended before your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they are a year old.

The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, look into a crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Whatever style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants could be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.

When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.

You can make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving 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 bed arrangement.

A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.