9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready switch 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 about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months or until they become too large. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable 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 have the basic necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is in one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to select one that matches the overall theme. There are many cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simple good cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
To make life easier You can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your cheap baby cots is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is best rated cribs used when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it does not 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 as long as you can, think about a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you will likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan 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 can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.