9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, tots and cots also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs are on 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 that of the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that only have the essentials.
If you are willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called cots 4 tots-in-1 cribs, and they are a great crib option for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child is out of the old one.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction, such as modern or rustic it is possible to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, Cribs Beds they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when 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 mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower setting should be used before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before 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 springs made of metal as this is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. They usually have removable rails to make the transition from an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission 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 that could pose a danger to your child.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.