10 Things That Your Family 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 keep you and your baby safe during the night.

There are many types of cribs, each with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of getting out.

Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months or until they are big. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.

To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.

If you're willing spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows the current one.

Style

When choosing a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with many unique shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety tots and cots wellbeing.

There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower setting should be used before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they turn one year old.

The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, as this 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 over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib frame for any flaws in the wood or paint 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 reduce the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to trapping. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for 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. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.

It is essential to choose the best crib mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleep. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to suit 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 is in compliance with the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly cots and tots your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.

A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.