9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing cribs beds (read review) For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. 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 they can be taken away.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also are smaller, making them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be loose or absent. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
You can buy cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money to spend, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want another one each time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You might want to choose one that is in line with the general theme of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and cheap baby cots Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard which can lead to entrapment. Infants could also 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 ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to 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 purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of online cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in larger beds. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the Cot Bed into the room in which the crib is. 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 on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is a great way to prolong the life of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.