9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds (www.Ahrs.al) For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night.

There are a variety of cribs, each with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a compact bed designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.

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

There are bassinets too, which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would prefer.

Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. For instance, 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. Also the Cot Bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased 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 of space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs with all the necessities.

If you're willing invest a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who don't want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.

Style

When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

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

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position is recommended before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they reach the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be set on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted 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 intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you choose it's crucial to look 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 to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk to your baby.

If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to the suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that create entrapment risks; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for top ranked cribs and toddler beds.

When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best cots to have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. 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.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular time will help them settle.

A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great crib option to prolong the life 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 the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.