9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing cribs beds (click) For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety during the night.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others may be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or they can be removed.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months or until they become too large. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in their early months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be purchased in various designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler mini cot beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who don't wish to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your cheap baby cots grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or mini cot Beds full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of 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 an environment that is healthier.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler Cot Bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into 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 extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.