Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to, and most are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs as long as they can but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be removed.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months, or until they are big. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that some infants need in their early months. They also are smaller which makes them a good cribs alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. In addition the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery cots. If the design of your home is in an inclination like rustic or contemporary, you may want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For convenience, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you 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 come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower one should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.
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 choosing springs made of metal since it 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 air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, think about a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they 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 from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, because they could get 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 in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is 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 can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can 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 are available for various brands of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the best cot beds mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for a bigger bed. 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, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
You can make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.