The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, each with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment like the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready to move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or climb out.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
There are cribs available in a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you have more money to spend there are cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who don't want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the decor of your baby cots on sale's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning 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 removable rails that make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose 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 the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants can also roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a cheap baby cots for sale to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is best crib newborn to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no 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 decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.