9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe in the evening.

There are a variety of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others may be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until your child is about 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.

There are also bassinets, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. 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 risk of suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that include the essentials.

If you have a bit more money, you can find cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who do not want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows their current one.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the style of the nursery. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.

To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.

The mattress of a crib can be perched on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal since it is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your Baby beds could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling 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 suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots and tots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it should 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 a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time will help them settle.

A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits available Best cot for newborn these cribs are available in various styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.