9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial 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 in the evening.
There are many different types of cribs, all with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they become too large. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness cots and tots comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both cribs beds and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be loose or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the general theme of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and baby cots on sale Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from the suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head that could cause the entrapment of. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery cots. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized 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 process by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.