We all deserve a good night's sleep, including babies. But choosing a crib for your little one can be a real challenge. Why? Maybe because you can't lie on it and see how comfortable it is. And the fact that there are so many models available to choose from doesn't make it any easier.
And since the best decision is made after research, let's find out how to choose a bed for your baby.
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Why is it so important to choose a baby crib?
A crib encourages and promotes independent sleep. You may be one of those parents who wants to feel their little one as close as possible while they sleep, but most doctors recommend independent sleeping. Little ones need to develop this habit as soon as possible, to sleep on their own, and a crib is a great option.
Because it is a piece of furniture designed specifically for children , choosing a good bed means choosing a safe bed. The baby crib is built according to strict safety standards and regulations set by the World Health Organization. So, you can rest assured when putting your baby in the crib.
Know that babies who sleep in a separate bed from their parents have a much lower chance of suffering from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, abbreviated as SIDS, compared to those who sleep with their parents in the same bed.
Make sure the bed meets safety standards.
Avoid buying a crib that doesn't have safety certifications. In addition to certifications, also check the safety features. Here are some of them:
It must comply with the European Standard EN 716-1:2008. This must be written in the product manual.
The space between the bars should be a maximum of 6 cm. The design of the bed should provide safety for the child. He should not easily fall out of the crib or get his head caught between the bars. Here's how you can check, the milk bottle should not pass between these bars.
The bed base should be a slatted frame. And the mattress should fit perfectly, with no space left between the edge of the bed and the mattress.
It should not have any cut-out shapes in its structure because it will be dangerous for your child. He can touch any part of your body and get hurt easily.
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If you decide to buy a crib, buy a new one.
You think you'll probably save a few bucks if you buy a second-hand crib, but you have to remember that safety regulations are updated every few years, so there's a chance it might not comply with the new safety regulations.
If a crib has been used, it means it is worn out, meaning it has damaged or even missing parts that you don't notice, but they pose a danger to your baby's safety.
Choose the right mattress
For the crib to be complete, you need to choose the last piece, but among the most important: the mattress. If this is your first baby, you will be tempted to choose the fluffiest, softest and most comfortable mattress, but this is very wrong. Here's why:
If you place your newborn on a soft mattress, their spine will be affected. There will be stress on the spine and pain or conditions may occur, just because of the type of mattress they sleep on.
The best option is a firm mattress that fits perfectly into the crib frame. Remember, no empty spaces. Choose the right size for the bed frame.
Make sure the bedding you buy for the crib is the size of the mattress. If it's smaller, parts of the mattress will be left uncovered. On the other hand, if it's too big, the sheet won't lie flat and the baby can pull it off.
It is not recommended to wrap a baby in a blanket if you want to leave him/her to sleep unattended. Instead, you can use sleeping bags, designed specifically for little ones. Pay attention to the thickness of the bag because this will help maintain the right temperature for your baby to sleep safely and soundly.
Check the materials the crib is made of.
Another important aspect when you want to buy a baby crib is the safety of the materials. Yes, you won't be using it for a long time, about 2 years, but what is more important, your baby's safety or saving a few bucks?
You can choose a cheaper option only if it complies with safety regulations and the materials are of quality.
There are cribs that are made of plastic, but it can break and thus become a safety risk for the little one.
You also need to consider the paint used on the crib. Choose only eco-friendly, non-toxic paints.
When they get their first teeth, the crib frame will be their favorite toy, so it's important that the materials and paint are of good quality.
Co-sleeper
This type of crib is designed to be attached to your bed. It has a removable side and is height adjustable. It makes feeding easier, especially at night, because you don't have to get out of bed.
The detachable part should only be left down when you are with the baby, feeding or petting them. It should be raised so that they can sleep unsupervised.
The biggest advantage of this crib is that you will have your baby close to you during the night, but it also comes with the risks of sharing the same bed.
Babynest or nest for newborns.
You deserve to sleep peacefully, and so does your baby. The first place a newborn baby knows is the comfortable crib, so it should also be the first safe place.
