9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night.

There are a myriad of cribs of various sizes, styles 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 small bed made for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some top ranked cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to that of the womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their Baby Cot Bed in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular 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.

There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They are also more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be missing or loose. Also the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in various designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.

If you're willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, think about 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 theme of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in various designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.

To make life easier You can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is best rated cribs used when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.

The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to allow the transition from an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you select, it's essential to look cot for sale cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers; 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 and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding an infant to your family, you will likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform 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 are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

You can make the transition from a crib 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. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.

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 also provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.