9 Lessons 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 can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.

There are a variety of cribs, each with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.

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

Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months, or until they are big. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in their early months. They are also more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for death by suffocation.

You can buy cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.

If you're willing to invest a little more you can purchase good cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old one.

Style

If you are in the market for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is in an inclination like modern or rustic it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

To make life easier You can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for infants, while the lower one is recommended before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they turn one year old.

The mattress can be set on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats, which may 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 over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat 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 death from inhalation. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head that could cause entrapment. Infants can be able to roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the wall or headboard.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

Adding a baby cots on sale to your family typically leads to an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place It should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.

You can make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be used on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.