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 during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different sizes, 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 small bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment like the womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler cot bed sales earlier than others. The most commonly used 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.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would like.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be loose or absent. The Cot Bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for cot Beds death by suffocation.
There are cribs available in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a a limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called cots 4 tots-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction like rustic or contemporary it is possible to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
There are cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they are a year old.
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 choosing a metal spring base, because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or loosen 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, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head that could cause trapping. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert 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 can be purchased for many brands of cots 4 tots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready for an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.