9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants tots and cots babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to, and most are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can climb out.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require during their early years. They also are more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who do not need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in a particular direction such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful colors, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for infants, while the lower position should be used before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict 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, look over the crib's frame to determine whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots to tots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is important to choose the best crib newborn mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in larger beds. It is Best cot for newborn to have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that converts to a full size bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.