9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing cribs beds (Suggested Reading) For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and babies. 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 infant cot bed. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to room, and most are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as is possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or climb out.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months or until they are large. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also are smaller, making them a good alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would prefer.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should 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 legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you're willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the best rated cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
best cots for newborns convenience You can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they are a year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal because it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new mattress for your baby's crib choose the most recommended cribs firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; 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 breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you'll likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots to tots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can help 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 space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different designs to complement your other furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.