The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, all with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can climb out.
There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're short of space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can expand with your child to toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are referred to as 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 crib.
Style
As you look for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for Cot sale babies. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition to an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for Cheap cot bed any imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a danger to your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that 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 overheated, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things including 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 your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots 4 tots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place It will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.