9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety during the night.
There are many types of cribs, all with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a small bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant cot bed. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as they can, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most recommended cribs common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable Best cot for newborn your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they are large. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in their early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
There are cribs available in many different styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you're willing spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler best cot beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who do not wish to purchase a new crib every time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower one is recommended before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, examine the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of affordable cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. After your crib mattress and 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 to the toddler 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 toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in various designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.