The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can climb out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months, or until they are too big. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require during their first few months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can buy cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some even 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 still in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you're willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select an option that fits the general style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or roll over in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then think about a crib that can be converted into an infant cot bed bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by 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 flaws in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots and tots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging 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 arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that converts into a full-size bed is an excellent way to prolong the life of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits for these best rated cribs come in a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and can be used on many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.