Zoe Scarlett
Babies are not supposed to be put to sleep but parented to sleep instead. Some babies can be placed down when they are drifting but still aware. Others require nursing or rocking to sleep from their parents. It is necessary to understand that babies are unable to enter a deep sleep as quickly as adults can. They progressively enter a deep sleep after twenty minutes or longer, from which they are not as easily roused. In this article, we will discuss things that you should know before putting your baby in a crib.
Do you want to co-sleep to keep an eye on your baby? Check these cribs that attaches with the bed!
Baby Sleeping Facts
As a parent, you should be well aware of the psychological and physical effects of sleep on your baby. What are the risks of poor sleep and how can you help your baby overcome them? To know, read the facts below by our child experts.
- Infants go through a vulnerable sleep stage where they may wake up every hour or even less during the night.
- Infants have shorter sleep cycles that last 50 to 60 minutes.
- According to our pediatrician, Hana Adler, lack of sleep has been linked to a higher chance of ADHD, and cognitive impairment.
- Infants that are fatigued or sleepy find it more difficult to handle a stressful situation than infants who are alert.
- Our child experts believe that REM sleep stimulates the developing brain on its own, producing helpful imagery that aids in mental development.
The above facts imply that sound and deep sleep is essential for an infant’s mental and physical development. To ensure a peaceful sleep environment, you should consider putting your baby in a crib. Portable cribs can be helpful as you can carry them along wherever you go. But before that, you should educate yourself on the baby’s sleep requirements. Continue reading this article to know more.
Things to consider while putting your baby in a crib
One of the most important things to consider before putting your baby in a crib is the safety of your baby. There are many things to consider such as the size and design of the crib, the location of the crib, and even how much time you spend with your baby.
The following are some other things that parents should consider before putting their child in a crib:
- The crib should be placed away from the window and other dangerous objects like books, furniture, or curtains.
- The crib should have no sharp edges or corners that could harm your baby.
- There should not be any objects in the crib that might obstruct your baby’s breathing or cause suffocation.
- The mattress should have no sharp edges that could harm your baby’s head and body.
Baby Crib Safety Standards
Since 2011, no baby cribs that are made can include a drop-side rail because research has shown that doing so increases the danger for infants.
According to our child expert Hana Adler, cribs must have stronger mattress supports and crib slats, as well as better hardware.
If you’re unsure whether a particular crib complies with the requirements, the Consumer Product Safety Commission advises asking the manufacturer for a certificate of compliance. This is a fantastic technique to make sure you purchase the safest baby crib on the market.
Best Reviewed Safest Cribs for Babies
The safest cribs for babies are those that follow safety standards. They are the most important purchases for parents. Parents should be cautious when buying a crib because it is a long-term investment that they will have to use for years.
Convertible cribs are multifunctional and can last long. Read about the best ones here!
The following are the top 5 best reviewed and safest cribs for babies. It also provides information on the safety standards required by CPSC and ASTM, which are mandatory in the US.
1. Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
This crib is undoubtedly the best when it comes to safety. It tops the chart and is highly recommended by parents and child experts alike.
AmazonProduct Details
| Color | Grey |
| Brand | Babyletto |
| Target Audience | Unisex-baby |
| Product Dimensions | 3.33″L x 2.63″W x 2.17″H |
| Special Feature | Convertible |
2. Graco Benton Convertible Crib
Not to be outdone by the Babyletto model, this crib can be adjusted at three different heights and transforms into a toddler bed. It is the second most recommended crib by parents.
AmazonProduct Details
| Color | Espresso |
| Brand | Graco |
| Target Audience | Unisex-baby |
| Product Dimensions | 26.1″L x 40.67″W x 41.49″H |
| Material | Pinewood; Engineered wood; Wood composites |
3. DaVinci Fiona 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
Green Guard Gold certified, modern design, and convertible feature is what make it the top 5 best-reviewed safe baby cribs. It may be a little expensive for some parents but worth the price.
AmazonProduct Details
| Color | Grey |
| Brand | DaVinci |
| Target Audience | Unisex-baby |
| Product Dimensions | 57″L x 30.4″W x 49″H |
| Material | Wood |
4. Dream on Me Violet 7-in-1 Convertible Crib
The classic Violet can transfer into a full-size bed as your child grows. Its 4 mattress height positions can also be altered based on your baby’s age.
AmazonProduct Details
| Brand | Dream On Me |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Finish | Pine |
| Style | Classic |
| Maximum weight recommendation | 50 pounds |
5. Delta Children Emery Mini Convertible Crib
Best for small spaces and when your baby has transitioned from a bassinet to a crib, Emery mini is a perfect fit for your child. It can convert into a twin-size headboard from a baby crib.
AmazonProduct Details
| Color | Grey |
| Brand | Delta Children |
| Target Audience | Unisex-baby |
| Product Dimensions | 25.75″L x 41.25″W x 38.25″H |
| Material | Wood |
Are you confused between a mini crib and a full sized crib? See the details here.
Baby Crib Best Practices
Now that you are aware of the sleeping facts, safety standards, and the best-reviewed cribs in the market, here are some guidelines by our pediatrician Hana Adler on how to put your baby in a crib.
- Never place your baby’s crib in with pillows, loose blankets, plush animals, or anything else.
- Make sure there are no gaps wider than two fingers between the mattress and the side of the crib.
- Always use crib bumpers and put the crib together according to the directions.
- Never use a crib that is more than ten years old or one that has undergone any sort of modification.
- Do not cover play yards or cribs with extra padding.
Conclusion
Our child experts have come together to help write this article for new parents so we can aid you in your parenting journey. Ensuring a peaceful sleep for your baby is necessary for their mental and physical development. We have addressed multiple things that you should know before putting your baby in a crib. The best-reviewed and safest cribs are also mentioned above so you can make the best choice for your baby.
FAQS
How should babies be placed in cribs?
There are different ways to place a baby in a crib, including the back sleeping position, side sleeping position, and tummy sleeping position. Experts say babies should be placed in cribs on their backs.
Why should babies be placed at the bottom of the cot?
A baby should be placed at the bottom of a cot because this is the safest place for them. Babies are not able to roll over or get out of the crib or a mini crib if they are placed at the top.
Is it OK to put the newborn directly in a crib?
Yes, it is totally okay to put your newborn directly in a crib. Use safe beddings and read above where we have discussed things to consider when putting your baby in a crib and the best practices to do so.
