Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your child. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is like the womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. 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 be taken away.
There are also bassinets which can be used from birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs beds, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child would prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for death by suffocation.
There are cribs available in many different styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who don't need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in an inclination, such as modern or rustic it is possible to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, 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 typically occurs by the time they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size best cot bed. They typically have removable rails to facilitate the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to 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 paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to the suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated 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 sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal 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 can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. 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 to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots. They also 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.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size cot bed sales conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is a great option to extend the life of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.