How To Make A Baby Bed? 9 Tips to Remember

Do you need instructions on how to construct a crib for your newborn?

You are making great progress; the remaining steps are straightforward and will make sense as you read on.

But here’s the deal:

First and foremost, this article will help you choose the optimal size for your baby’s bed.

Standard and tiny beds are the most popular options for infants.

The former is larger, at 28 x 52 inches, than the latter, which is smaller, at 24 x 38 inches.

Do you not believe that you, as the parent, know best for your child?

Okay, let’s get this party started!

How Big Your Baby Bed Should Be?

Your infant will require a soft, secure bed for a considerable amount of time.

For this reason, it’s important to think carefully about what size bed is appropriate for you.

Common items you can find at stores include:

#1. Standard

The standard crib mattress size is this width.

Keep in mind that the mattress you choose shouldn’t be any thicker than 6 inches.

The required dimensions are 52 inches in length and 28 inches in width.

However, it is most comfortable on a crib that meets industry standards.

#2. Mini

This sort of infant bed typically comes in smaller dimensions than industry norms.

They have a mean size of 38 inches in length and 24 inches in width.

It’s important to consider the range of mattress depths available when shopping for a crib or bassinet.

Why so? For the simple reason that it can disrupt the baby’s comfort levels.

Tips To Make A Baby Bed

I assume you want to know what to look for in a crib or bassinet.

#1. Ensure your baby’s safety

First and foremost, nothing can replace your own personal safety.

Because infants’ safety is of paramount importance, the law specifies minimum dimensions for cribs and bassinets.

Suffocation and head entrapment are two of the kinds of mishaps that this rule aims to prevent.

Remember that you can fit both of your mattresses in the crib.

Use with caution unless it was intended as a baby crib mattress.

It is important for your child’s safety that you refrain from utilizing covers and foam toppers that are not regulated.

#2. Durability is a must

You shouldn’t just prioritize the bed’s safety features when making your selection.

When it comes to infants, firmer is better than soft when it comes to their bedding.

A fact is as follows:

Your child’s safety is at risk if they sleep on a fluffy mattress.

Diseases like sudden infant death syndrome may potentially be exacerbated (sudden infant death syndrome).

You may feel the firmness of your mattress by pressing on it, moving inward from the bed’s outside edges.

#3. Free of toxins

Bear in mind why this is so important:

The crib or toddler bed you just bought will be used for years to come.

Therefore, an organic mattress can be the best option.

Trust one that has been certified to industry standards, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

You can rest assured that these certified beds are safe for your use, friends.

#4. Consider the dimensions

A bed’s firmness is independent of its size.

The thickness of a mattress with coil springs is between 5 and 6 inches, whereas that of a foam mattress is between 4 and 6 inches.

With the exception of memory foam mattresses, most foam beds are relatively lightweight.

#5. Duration of use

One side of the few reversible beds is firm for infants while the other is only slightly so for toddlers.

These mattresses have two layers, and the side you should sleep on is clearly marked.

#6. How much are you willing to pay?

It’s possible that a high-quality crib for a newborn will break the bank.

It will be well worth it in the end, so don’t fret.

Choose the optimal solution.

If you have allergies and are looking for hypoallergenic or organic products, you may find yourself spending a little extra.

And yet, that’s fine.

#7. Coverings

Baby beds typically have covers to shield the mattress from accidents like soiled diapers.

Look for a cover that is breathable, waterproof, and hypoallergenic if you want one that will last a long time.

Covers with plastic seams that are too sharp should be avoided.

Check the seams to see if the fabric has been stretched or strained.

#8. Get something new

If you can help it, try to avoid putting your baby to sleep in a previously used bed.

But here’s the deal:

Molds can already be a problem in older mattresses.

And this means your child has been exposed to an illness, which can be quite harmful to his or her health.

A new bed is an inexpensive way to deter these dangers.

#9. Think about using border rods

Be sure the border rods are in place if the crib has an innerspring.

As a rule, it encircles the entire bed, including the head and the foot.

Add border rods to your design for durability, support, and most importantly, stability.

Should Babies Sleep in Their Own Room?

To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related mortality, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its recommendations for healthy sleep habits in 2016. 2 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping babies in their parents’ rooms until at least their sixth month of life, and ideally until their twelfth month.

According to research published in 2017, infants may benefit from having their own rooms as early as 4 months of age.

According to the results of the study, infants who slept in their own rooms slept for longer stretches of time than those who stayed in their parents’ rooms. Babies who were introduced to their own bedrooms early slept for an extra 46 minutes per day by 4 months, an extra 40 minutes per day by 9 months, and an extra hour per day by 30 months.

Moreover, while losing a few minutes of sleep here and there might not seem like a huge deal, research has linked sleep deprivation to a wide range of negative effects, including impaired physical, cognitive, and emotional development as well as strained parent-child relationships. In addition, research has indicated that baby sleep patterns are more likely to persist into early childhood and beyond.

However, it should be noted that this was merely an observational research. It’s possible that parents whose babies were excellent sleepers from the start made the decision to move them to a separate bedroom earlier (and the parents with kids who were poor sleepers and woke frequently kept the child in their room longer).

Babies whose parents separated them into their own rooms earlier may have had more patient caregivers. It’s possible that parents are less inclined to ignore a crying newborn if the baby is in the same room as them.

Parents who opted for room-sharing in the study were also more likely to be low-income, have fewer resources, and have a more crowded (and therefore noisier) home.

Can Parent-Baby Room-Sharing Be Dangerous?

The study indicated that parents and infants might get less sleep if they share a room. It also discovered that there could be risks linked with this arrangement. Sharing a bedroom was linked to risky sleep patterns, which in turn increased the risk of infant mortality from sleep deprivation.

This may be the case because if the infant is in the parents’ room instead of the baby’s own room, the parents and caregivers are more likely to revert to risky sleep patterns, such as putting the baby in their own bed or falling asleep with the baby during a feeding. For instance, they discovered that the likelihood of bed-sharing was four times higher for infants who shared a room than for infants who had their own bedrooms.

However, the AAP recommendations took into account data showing that parents who take their infants to another room to be fed or put to sleep are more likely to fall asleep with them in an unsafe location like a chair or sofa. The AAP warns that it is far more dangerous to sleep with a child on a couch or chair instead of a bed. 2 There’s more of a chance that the kid may trip and hurt himself, or that he’ll get stuck in something and suffocate.

The 8 Best Baby Cribs of 2022

Best Overall: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit

Pros

• With the ability to choose between four different mattress heights,
• Transcends the stages of infancy and toddlerhood.
• Alternative color schemes are available.

Cons

• Cannot be made into a queen or king size bed
• Costly

Because it may be utilized for multiple stages of your child’s development, the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed is our top pick. The convertible crib, toddler bed, and daybed are all included in this budget-friendly and stylish option.

The metal mattress platform that serves as the crib’s base can be adjusted to one of four different heights, making it suitable for use with a baby of varying ages. The six color selections range from single basic colors to two-color combinations, so they may be used to complement the aesthetic of any nursery.

Weight: 54 oz. Dimensions: 53.5 x 29.5 x 35 in. Max. Child Weight: 50 lb.

Best Budget: IKEA Gulliver Crib

Pros

• Affordable
• Easily converts to a bed for a young child

Cons

• Only one shade is offered.
• Just two heights to choose from.

A timeless crib at a reasonable price can be found at IKEA. Simple yet elegant in design, this crib can be converted from a crib to a toddler bed by just removing one side. This white crib is an excellent value for its low price.

Weight: 44 pounds; Dimensions: 53.5 x 29.5 x 33 inches; Maximum Child Weight: Not Stated

Best Convertible: DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in Espresso

Pros

• Alternative color schemes are available.
• There are four possible reinterpretations.

Cons

• Separately Available Conversion Kits
• Inconvenient for some to put together

For kids who will be spending a lot of time in their own room, a convertible crib is a great investment. As kids get older, you may easily adjust the bed’s size to fit their needs. This alternative is built to last, since it can be quickly transformed from a crib into a toddler bed, a daybed, and a full-sized bed (toddler and full-size bed conversion kits sold separately).

Weight: 50 lbs. Dimensions: 54.5 x 35 x 42 inches Maximum Child Weight: 50 lbs.

Best Acrylic: Pottery Barn Kids Sloan Acrylic Convertible Crib

Pros

• Glass panes
• Bedding set easily transforms into a bed for a young child.
• Durable

Cons

• Separately available conversion kit
• Costly

Acrylic cribs stand out from the crowd since they are a completely contemporary take on the traditional baby crib. The transparent slats give the bed a light, airy look that complements the white walls and crisp white bedding in the nursery. This crib has only two options for mattress height and does not come with a toddler conversion kit.

Weight: 83 pounds | Dimensions: 54 by 30 by 36.5 inches | Maximum Weight Capacity for a Child: 200 pounds

Best Mini Crib: Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Mini Crib

Pros

• Reduced size
• Use of non-toxic finishes
• There are four distinct changes

Cons

• Possibility of choosing between two hues
• Separately Available Conversion Kits

A micro crib is a safe resting space for a baby from birth to around 18 months that can be placed in a parent’s room, a small nursery, or anywhere else. This compact alternative doesn’t skimp on sophistication, either. This 4-in-1 crib may be converted into a toddler bed, a day bed, or a double bed (conversion kits sold separately). A micro crib requires a special mattress and bedding set made for its smaller size.

Weight: 40 pounds | Maximum Child Weight: 2 years old or 35 inches tall | Dimensions: 39.75 x 26 x 35 inches

Best for Travel: BABYBJORN Travel Crib Light

Pros

• Portable
• Simple to install

Cons

• Sheets are not always included in bundles.

For those times when you must leave your infant in a stranger’s care, make sure they have a warm, safe, and pleasant place to sleep. This portable crib is almost identical to normal cribs, and it is very popular among parents. User reviews from parents rave about how convenient it is.

It has a mattress, a mattress cover, and a convenient carrying case, and it may be used from birth until around age 3 (or until your child can climb out).

Maximum child weight: up to 3 years old Dimensions: 44 x 32 x 24 inches Weight: 13 pounds

Best Alternative Shape: Stokke Sleepi Crib

Pros

• Swivel wheels that can be locked
• Adjustable side panel fits a variety of crib sizes

Cons

• Costly
• The design of a crib prevents the use of a standard mattress.

This oval cot is fashioned in the classic Scandinavian style and is sure to become a treasured part of your nursery. The mattress foundation can be adjusted to a few different heights, and the crib itself has lockable swivel wheels for easy transport from room to room. When your infant has reached the stage where they are actively exploring their environment, it is time to remove one side of the bed to allow for freer access and movement.

The oval shape of this Stokke bed necessitates the use of the specially designed oval mattress.

The item’s weight is 44 pounds and its dimensions are 29.1 by 33.6 by 50 inches. 176 pound weight limit for kids.

Best Foldable: Dream On Me Jett Non-Full Size Folding Crib

Pros

• Wheels that can be detached from the frame
• Foldable

Cons

• Thinness of mattress pad is a problem

The convenience of a folding crib makes it possible to store a standard-sized crib in a guest bedroom, basement, or attic. It’s convenient for tight quarters because it collapses and rolls on lockable wheels.

The infant mattress can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate his or her development. This crib comes with a mattress pad that folds down to 1.5 inches and can be stored within the crib when it is folded. You’ll need to buy another crib mattress.

Size (in inches), Weight (in pounds), and Maximum Child Weight (in pounds)

What to Look for in a Baby Crib

Size

Make sure the crib will fit in the room it is destined for before making a purchase. Mini cribs are normally 24 to 28 inches wide by 36 to 43 inches long, whereas standard cribs are typically 28 inches wide by 52 inches long.

Standard vs. Convertible

Although you won’t be able to predict the future, you should consider whether or not you currently have a bed that is larger than the crib, and how your child will use it. There are a wide variety of cribs available, and it’s crucial to find one that fits your family’s needs.

Cribs that meet this criteria are usually only available in one size (28 inches by 52 inches) and cannot be converted to a toddler bed or full bed. A conventional crib can be used from the moment a kid is born until he or she reaches the age at which the youngster begins to climb out of the crib or reaches the milestones associated with the crib’s use. You’ll need to get a separate toddler bed if this one doesn’t have that option.

Cribs that can be converted to a toddler bed and ultimately a full size bed are called “convertible cribs.” These are excellent if you want to stretch your dollar as far as possible, as they may be used by children and adults alike.

Due to their tiny size, mini-cribs can only accommodate infants up to a particular weight limit; unlike full-size cribs, they are not designed to support the weight of an older child. It’s time for a new bed if your child reaches the specified age or weight. However, micro cribs are an excellent choice for parents who require a compact and secure sleeping area for their infant.

Many infant deaths were attributed to the use of dropside cribs, hence their use was outlawed a decade ago. Used ones aren’t much better, and it’s against the law to sell them.

Bar Spacing Safety

Measure the distance between the slats of the crib’s base and the mattress, just as you would a bed. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that the distance between the crib’s slats be no more than 2 3/8 inches (about six cm). Verifying the distance between the bars to make sure your child’s body won’t fit through it is step three. Always check for broken or missing slats.

Mattress Height

If you are concerned about your child getting hurt, you should measure the distance between the top of the mattress and the top of the crib’s side rails before putting your child in the crib. Raised crib sides must extend down at least 26 inches from the top of the mattress to comply with safety standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 4

FAQS

When should a baby be transitioned to a crib?

Changing a baby from a bassinet to a crib is an individual decision that should be made in light of the family’s particular circumstances. Some infants go straight to sleeping in their cribs, while others may use a bassinet or play yard first. Between the ages of three and six months, the majority of newborns are ready to transition to a crib.

How long should a baby stay in a crib?

Babies are all different. Some can happily stay in a crib past 3 years old while others may protest or even climb out of their crib by 18 months. There is a level of maturity and healthy sleep habits required to stay in a big-kid bed all night, so try to keep your kiddo in a crib as long as safely possible.

Last Thoughts!

All newborn infants have their own unique personalities. Some kids are perfectly content in a crib until they’re far into their third year, while others might start to fuss or even climb out as early as 18 months. Keep your youngster in a crib for as long as it is safe to do so, as transitioning to a big kid bed all night requires maturity and good sleep habits.

You now have the knowledge necessary to construct a safe and comfortable crib or bassinet for your infant.

There are a few important factors to think about before settling on a certain baby crib.

I really hope this data helped you figure out what you were looking for.

Please forward this to any parents you know who are fretting over their kid’s sleeping arrangements.

May you have a wonderful day!