9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep 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, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to, and most are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.

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

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

To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs beds have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.

Cribs are available in different designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.

If you have more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by a particular direction like modern or rustic then you might want to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can 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 position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be set on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't 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 is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

No matter what style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size best cot beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant cot bed to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets 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 old enough to be in larger beds. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib sets into a full-size or toddler bed.

You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting 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 sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.

Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.