9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night.

There are many types of cribs, each with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a small bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room, and most are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can be removed.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months, or until they are too large. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that infants require in the early years. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would prefer.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for death by suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in various designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.

If you're willing spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who don't want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.

Style

When choosing a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright colors, and with many unique shapes and styles.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.

For ease of use, you can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used before your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they are a year old.

The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard 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 converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size cot bed sales. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your child.

If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that create entrapment risks and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.

If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll require a toddler cot bed sales or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best cots for newborns to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.

A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them to adjust.

A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great way to extend the life of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.