9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's cheap cot bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to that of the mother's womb.

While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.

There are also bassinets that 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 can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in their early years. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be missing or loose. Also the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.

There are cribs available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.

If you have a bit more money to spend there are cribs that can grow with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the general theme of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful colors, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your Baby Cot Bed's well-being and safety.

You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from a regular bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that meet 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 conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head which can lead to trapping. Infants could also fall onto the mattress or get trapped between the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's sleep. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in larger beds. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit it will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

You can make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the Cot bed Sales into the room where the crib is. 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 is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.