9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. 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, all with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months, or until they are too large. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child will prefer.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow for 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 shouldn't be loose or missing. In addition the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in a variety of designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.

If you have more money to spend, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects an inclination like modern or rustic it is possible to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in an array of distinctive shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they are a year old.

The crib's mattress can be set on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat to your baby.

If you're contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most recommended cribs solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping onto or cribs becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in top ranked cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can 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 brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler Mini Cot Bed when your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.

You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or cribs toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.

A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.