9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.

There are a myriad of cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a compact bed made for infants and toddlers. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to the mother's womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others may be ready to move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.

There are also bassinets which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.

Both cribs beds and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. For instance, there should be no gaps larger 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 have cutouts on the headboard or footboard as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.

Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.

If you have more money there are cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is in a particular direction such as modern or rustic it is possible to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. The top ranked cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.

To make life easier You can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower one should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.

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 a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you select regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat for Mini Cotbed your baby.

If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to inhalation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that create entrapment risks; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard 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 are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery cots furniture. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes 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 is comfortable night's rest. You can choose 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 bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.

When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place It will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.

It is possible to 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. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them to adjust.

A crib that converts into an adult-sized bed is a great way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in different designs to complement your other furniture pieces and are suitable for various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.