Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many cribs that come in different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for babies and infants. 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, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is like the baby's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others may be ready to move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most recommended cribs common type of crib is a standard crib sets that can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old old or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in the early years. They are also more compact which makes them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs beds and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to select one that matches the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal best cots for newborns infants, while the lower position is recommended before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, then think about a crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.