Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many cribs with different 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 specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to that of the baby's womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner 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 climb out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow in order to protect 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. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some 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 you're short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you are willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or roll in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your Baby beds in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head, that can cause trapping. Infants may also fall onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size cot beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots 4 tots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit It should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that converts to a full size bed is a great option to prolong the lifespan of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in various designs to complement your other furniture pieces and are suitable for various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.