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 can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety at night.
There are a myriad of cribs of various dimensions, 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 babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to that of the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they are big. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early months. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you have a little more money, you can find cribs that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
As you look for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for convenience during the newborn stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is ideal when your Baby Cot can sit up or roll in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be set on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal as this is believed to be more stable than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the 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 as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition from a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose it's crucial 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 with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small cot beds could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard, that can cause trapping. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler cot beds for sale 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 are available for many models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's rest. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with federal safety standards.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place It should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler infant cot bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that converts into a full-size bed is a great way to prolong the life of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.