Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy 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 bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to, and most are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe 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 is possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are also bassinets, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can buy cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs beds with the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend there are cribs that will grow with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery cots. If the design of your home reflects one particular direction, such as modern or rustic, you may want to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens before they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you're looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Make sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head that could cause entrapment. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or get trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items, 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 help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots to tots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and best crib decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.