The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety in the evening.
There are many types of cribs, each with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, which can be used from birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in the early years. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that only have the essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 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 the current one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the general theme of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright colors, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or roll over in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, as this is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you select 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 conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head that could cause trapping. Infants could be able to roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential 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 sleeping. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards cot for sale toddler beds and cribs.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the decor Best crib For newborn and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that converts to a full size bed is a great option to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.