The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing cribs beds [Keep Reading] For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.

Size

A crib is a compact bed designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the baby's womb.

While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.

There are also bassinets, that can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They also are smaller which makes them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be sagging 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 chance of the child to suffocate.

There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that have the essentials.

If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child grows out of the old one.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the style of the nursery cots. You may want to select one that is in line with the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, tots and cots with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

For ease of use You can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It can make it easier to get out.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower one should be used before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.

The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.

If you are planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to inhalation. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head that could cause trapping. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size cheap cot beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is a great way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various styles to match your furniture pieces and can be used on numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.