The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing cribs beds [read the full info here] For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a myriad of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, best Crib for newborn simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to that of the baby's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can climb out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months or until they become too big. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of suffocation.
You can buy cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these recommended cribs can be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that have only the bare essentials.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.
Style
As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by an inclination such as modern or rustic it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. 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 newborns. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib frame to see whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy 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 too large or too small can be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes cots and tots other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase many 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 money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit, it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great option to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be used on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.