The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe in the evening.
There are many different types of cribs, each with varying sizes and styles, as well as 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 designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to, and most are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as is possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They are also more compact, making them a good cribs alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed 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 should not be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a a limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you're willing to pay a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home reflects one particular direction such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats tots and cots non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. This kind of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or roll in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then think about a crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to allow the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is 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 and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your child.
If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from the suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you'll likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and cot sale toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard best crib newborn. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. 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 at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.