10 Things That Your Family 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 develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are a variety of cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a Mini Cot Bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. 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 supportive and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.

While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.

Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they are too big. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in the early years. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.

To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space and have a limited budget there are cribs that just feature the bare essentials.

If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that can expand with your child to toddler mini cot beds and 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 an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old crib.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction, such as modern or rustic it is possible to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against 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 well-being.

For ease of use, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, because it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. 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's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your baby.

If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to inhalation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly within the best crib for newborn. A mattress that is too big or too small could be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard, that can cause trapping. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the headboard or the wall.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.

If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.

You can make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. 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 get into bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.

Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits for these top ranked cribs are available in different designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.