9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be taken away.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They are also more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. Also, 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 various designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you have more money on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is in a particular direction such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for Best Baby cots infants, while the lower one is recommended before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they are a year old.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to inhalation. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small cot beds could be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was 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 can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size cheap cot beds could help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in various styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.