Nine Things That Your Parent Taught 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 in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them cots to tots a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until your child is 18 months old older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they become too big. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be loose or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a a limited budget there are cribs that just feature the essentials.
If you are willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old one.
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 an inclination like modern or rustic it is possible to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as 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 that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or lie down in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you select regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head that could cause the entrapment of. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery cots. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cheap cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs come in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.