9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is like the baby's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or can be removed.
There are bassinets too, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the cheap baby cots for sale is too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
Cribs are available in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you're willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They 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 a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You might want to choose a crib that matches the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. Initially, they were simply cradles which could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
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 springs made of metal, since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
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 comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower 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 either too large or too small cot beds can be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on crib sets beds that are too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert 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 a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best cot bed to have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time will help them settle.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.