Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial 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 in the evening.

There are a variety of cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use and suitable for modern designs.

Size

A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some top ranked cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the womb.

While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or be removed.

Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months or until they are too big. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They also come in smaller sizes, making them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. For example, 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 as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance 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 intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.

If you have a little more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that will grow with your child into toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and 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 design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of designs and shapes that come with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.

There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for convenience during the newborn stage. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb because 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 position is suitable for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.

The crib's mattress can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

Regardless of the design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict 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. In addition, examine the crib's frame for defects in the wood or paint that could pose a danger for your baby.

If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to the suffocation. Make sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly within the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small cot beds could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.

It is important to choose the best crib newborn mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready for an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.