9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many types of cribs, each with different dimensions styles, designs, and 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 babies and infants. There are many types of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be taken away.

There are also bassinets which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib sets and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of the child to suffocate.

Cribs can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your cheap baby cots in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.

If you're willing pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler mini cot beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child outgrows the crib sets they have previously used.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes, with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.

There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or lie down in bed. This usually 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 frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, look into a crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you are planning to purchase an additional crib 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. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's 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

A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet 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.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant tots and cots putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.

A crib that converts into a full size bed is an excellent way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be used on many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.