9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or be taken away.
There are bassinets too, which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in the early months. They also come in smaller sizes, making them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be sagging or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you're willing invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, Baby Cot toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is influenced by an inclination like rustic or contemporary it is possible to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful colors, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the infant stage. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single piece of 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, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard best cots for newborns infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, 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 facilitate 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 meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you're contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to trapping. Infants can also fall onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
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. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant cot bed to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready for larger beds. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler Cot Bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time will help them settle.
A crib that converts to a full size bed is a great option to extend the life of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.