9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready to switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they become too large. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They are also more compact which makes them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you're willing pay a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose an option that fits the overall style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby cot online's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower position is recommended before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached 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 on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small cot beds could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head that could cause entrapment. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleeping. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring cot bed sales that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that converts into a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.