9 Lessons Your Parents Teach 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 establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.

There are a myriad of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.

Size

A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to that of the womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or they can be taken away.

Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they are big. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also come in smaller sizes, making them a good alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.

Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for death by suffocation.

Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.

If you have a little more money there are cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who don't wish to purchase a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is in one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.

For convenience You can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.

The mattress can be put on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, think about a crib that can be converted into an best infant cribs bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

It's important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to inhalation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that create entrapment risks; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler cot beds for sale or full size mini cot beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring Cot Bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will need to purchase 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 transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis will help them settle.

Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.