10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, each with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant cot bed. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can be removed.
There are also bassinets, which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early years. They are also more compact, making them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
You can purchase cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you're willing spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the newborn stage. 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 offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to make the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat to 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 reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant cot bed to your family, you'll likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of 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 compliant with federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. 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.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized Cot Bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.