The 9 Things 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 it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, each with different dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular 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 getting out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they are large. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They also are more portable and therefore a great option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
You can buy cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the bare essentials.
If you are willing to invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option 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 are looking for the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction such as modern or rustic, you may want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower one should be used before your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be risky for your cheap baby cots as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged 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 suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the Baby Cot's carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best baby cots to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, Best Crib For Newborn including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib sets. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option 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 various styles to match your furniture pieces and can be used on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.