Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many types of cribs, all with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and suitable for modern designs.

Size

A crib is a compact bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is like the womb.

Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.

Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months, or until they are large. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early years. They are also more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress cots and tots the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. Also, the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

You can buy cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.

If you have a little more money to spend, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child is out of the old crib.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today 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.

You'll also find cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for convenience during the newborn stage. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or roll in the best cot bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.

The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you select 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, examine the crib's frame for flaws in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your child.

If you're contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths identified in 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 can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing 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 the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you add a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of top rated cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for two people.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time will help them settle.

A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.