The 9 Things 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 allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are a myriad of cribs of various dimensions, styles 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 made for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to that of the mother's womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.

Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months or until they are too big. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for death by suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in different styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the basic necessities.

If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want another one each time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.

Style

When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction like 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 colorful colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer 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 as well as his wellbeing.

There are cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind 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, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they turn one year old.

The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, since it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you plan to keep your baby cot online in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family usually results in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards.

When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels 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. These include keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler Cot Bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to cot bed sales on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great way to prolong the life of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.