The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial part of your baby's life. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many different types of cribs, all with different dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.

Size

A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room, and most are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.

Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or can be taken away.

There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. 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 are smaller and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. Additionally the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in various designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.

If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that will expand with your child to toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.

Style

If you are in the market for a crib sets, consider the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home reflects one particular direction such as modern or rustic then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.

There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or roll in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.

The mattress can be set on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, 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 cots 4 tots-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for flaws in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your child.

If you're contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant cot bed to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.

It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler cot beds.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition tots and cots to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place It will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them adjust.

A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.