9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing cribs beds (additional hints) For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant cot bed. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to, and most are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can be taken away.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also come in smaller sizes, making them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. Additionally, 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 risk of being suffocated.
Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that will grow with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
To make life easier You can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden 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 that can break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then think about a crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. 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 in its description. Also, look over the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small cot beds can be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep, and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots. They also come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.
It is essential to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. 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 ready for a bigger bed. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite 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.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is an excellent way to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be used on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.