9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are a variety of best rated cribs, each with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.

While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be removed.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they are too big. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in their early months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.

If you have a bit more money there are cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds, and Baby Beds even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child is out of the old one.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is in a particular direction such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

For convenience You can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position is recommended before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they are a year old.

The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, because it is believed to be more stable than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size cheap cot bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition to a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Whatever style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to see if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant cot bed death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or get trapped between it and the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.

A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.