The 9 Things 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 can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months, or until they are big. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in their early months. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame tots and cots the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
You can purchase cribs in many different designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you have more money on a crib, you can find one that will develop with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction, such as modern or rustic it is possible to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use You can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready 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 newborns. The lower position is best infant cribs used when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent 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 for as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to suffocation. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly within the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head that could cause entrapment. Infants could also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to buy 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 could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby 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 include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
If you decide to go with 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 choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit It will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized best cot bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding 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.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.