9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety at night.

There are a myriad of cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to the womb.

While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as they can, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, Best cots or be removed.

There are also bassinets that 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 in their early months. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

Both cribs and bassinets have 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 loose or missing. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.

Cribs are available in various styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget there are cribs that just feature the essentials.

If you're willing to spend a little extra, you can buy cribs beds that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child outgrows the old one.

Style

When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. 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 were adapted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.

You'll also find cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower one is recommended before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.

The mattress can be set on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then look into a crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you choose 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 and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your child.

If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 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 can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things including toys and clothes 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 into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.

If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Giving your child a choice of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and Cot Beds For Sale encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule will help them settle.

A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.