9 Things Your Parents Taught 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 establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your Baby beds safe at night.

There are many cribs that come in different sizes, 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 specifically designed for infants and babies. 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 child. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be taken away.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months, or until they are large. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. Also, the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby 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 just feature the basic necessities.

If you're willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who don't wish to purchase an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the crib they have.

Style

When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your best baby cots's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction, such as modern or rustic then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for babies. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.

You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.

The crib sets's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. 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 firm and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Regardless of the design or style you pick 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 compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery cots. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good cribs night's rest. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.

If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.