9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your Baby Cot Bed. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe in the evening.

There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched cot for sale cribs that are secure and simple to use and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a small bed made for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment like the mother's womb.

Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be taken away.

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 cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They also are smaller which makes them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would prefer.

To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.

Cribs are available in different designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.

If you're willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the old crib.

Style

If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. It is possible to pick an option that fits the overall style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.

There are cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb as 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 setting is ideal for infants, while the lower position should be used before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they reach the age of a 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 a steel spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or loosen with 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 possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden best infant cribs death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib sets.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which create entrapment risks; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and 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 help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in 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 many brands of cots and tots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.

No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.

If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.

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 putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Getting your child involved in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that converts into a full size bed is a great option to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.