Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They are also more compact, making them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. Additionally, 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 suffocation.
There are cribs available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is in an inclination such as modern or rustic then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against accidents 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 well-being and safety.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal since it is believed to be more stable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning on keeping your cheap baby cots in a crib 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. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to allow the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleep. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change 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 the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is a great crib option to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.