Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing cribs beds (talks about it) For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and 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 small bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler Cot Bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to, and most are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs as long as possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be taken away.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months or until they are too big. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require in the early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
There are cribs available in a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or lie down in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop 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 possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for 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 reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head that could cause entrapment. Infants can be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size cheap cot beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.