10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing cribs beds (supplemental resources) For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is like the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months, or until they are large. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. Also the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
As you look for a crib, consider its style in relation to the style of the nursery. If the design of your home reflects an inclination such as modern or rustic it is possible to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower one should be used before your Baby beds begins to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens before they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your Baby Crib's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden best infant cribs death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things such as 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 bought for various brands of cots offers and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib sets. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is a great way to extend the life of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.