The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can climb out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months or until they are too big. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in their early years. They also come in smaller sizes, making them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would like.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. 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. In addition the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you have a little more money there are cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction like modern or rustic it is possible to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls 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.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is best cots for newborns used when your child can sit up or roll in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition to a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. 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, 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 plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants can be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler cot beds for sale or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots to tots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, Cribs Beds or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit, it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.