The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.

There are a variety of cribs, all with different sizes and styles, as well as 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 compact bed designed for infants and toddlers. 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 come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.

While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as possible however, some parents 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 climb out.

There are also bassinets, which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.

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

best rated cribs are available in different designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.

If you have a bit more money, you can find cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.

Style

When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs beds available with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

You'll also find cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is best cots for newborns used when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.

The mattress can be put on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

No matter what style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to inhalation. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard that could cause trapping. Infants can also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.

It is important to choose the best rated cribs mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.

A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.