9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and toddlers. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to that of the mother's womb.

Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or climb out.

Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they are large. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They also are smaller and therefore a great option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would prefer.

To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. Additionally, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.

You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have the essentials.

If you're willing pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.

Style

When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the general theme of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.

For convenience, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they are a year old.

The crib's mattress can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you're planning to keep your Baby beds in a crib as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib sets that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that 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 crib sides.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets 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 a bigger bed. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new Cot Bed arrangement.

A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great option to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.