Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.

There are a myriad of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

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

While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.

Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months or until they are too large. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that some infants need in their early months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. In addition the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of suffocation.

Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.

If you are willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These good cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.

There are cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or roll over in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.

The mattress can be set on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal because it is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that can break or loosen over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then think about a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and best cots for newborns the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from the suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of top rated cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.

No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler mini cot beds.

If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.

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 room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that converts into a full size bed is a great option to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.