9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib can help your baby cots on sale develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety at night.

There are many types of cribs, all with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy 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 a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is like the baby's womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can climb out.

There are also bassinets, which can be used from birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child would prefer.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be loose or missing. Also, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.

If you're willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.

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

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be set on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy 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 intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that meet 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. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which create entrapment risks and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the Baby beds's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size cot beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.

You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adjust.

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. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.