9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.

There are many cribs of various 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 bed that is specifically 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 child. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the womb.

While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or is capable of climbing out.

There are bassinets too, which are suitable from the time of 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 in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.

To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be sagging or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

There are cribs available in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows 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 that have all the necessities.

If you are willing to spend a little extra 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 they can be a great choice for parents who don't want another one each time their child is out of the old crib.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery cots. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.

There are cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby cots online grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in 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 frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to make the transition from a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you're contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard, that can cause entrapment. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or get trapped between it and the wall or headboard.

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

Conversion

When you welcome a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of online cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.

When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time will help them settle.

A crib that converts into a full-size bed is a great way to prolong the life of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.