Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs beds, 120.24.185.122, For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to the womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old older or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in the early years. They are also more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs with the essentials.
If you have a little more money, you can find cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great crib choice for parents who don't want a new one every time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in a particular direction, such as modern or rustic, you may want to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is best cot newborn used when your baby can sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, because it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib sets to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to the suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard, that can cause trapping. Infants could also fall onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended cribs that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child is at ease 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.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.