Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with varying 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 a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to and the majority are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or can climb out.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.
If you are willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want another one each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the general theme of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower position should be used before your baby begins 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 a metal spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then think about a crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that comply with 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 conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger to 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 reduce the risk of accidental death due to suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve crib best cot beds that are too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you add a new baby to your family, you'll likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery cots furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. It is best infant cribs to have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.