Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also 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, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or is capable of getting out.

There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be sagging or missing. Also the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in various designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.

If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child grows out of the old one.

Style

When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.

To make life easier, you can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is best cots uk used when your baby can sit up or lie down in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.

The mattress of a crib can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.

If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, look into a crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. 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, look over the crib's frame for defects in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat for your baby.

If you plan to buy an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

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 baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size mini cot beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place It will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized Mini Cot Bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time will help them settle.

A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide a Cot Bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.