9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
There are cribs available in many different designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is in an inclination like modern or rustic then you might want to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have 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 is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be solid 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're looking to keep your baby cots online in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Whatever 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 compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to see whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head, that can cause trapping. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size cheap cot beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the best cots for newborns mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet 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 on from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.