9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as possible, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are bassinets too, which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you'd 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 larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in various styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend there are cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is influenced by an inclination such as modern or rustic, you may want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various designs and Best Cots shapes and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents 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 could 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. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in the bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then think about a crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition to an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard which can lead to entrapment. Infants can also fall onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size cot beds for sale could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of online cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's rest. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to larger beds. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place It will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.
A crib that converts into a full size bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.