9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many different types of cribs, all with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room to room and are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can be taken away.

There are also bassinets, that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to in order to protect your child. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. Additionally the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.

top ranked cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.

If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in another crib every when their child grows out of the current one.

Style

If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects an inclination like rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the concept 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 sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.

To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb because 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 ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time 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 base, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you are planning to buy an infant cot bed's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents 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 can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep, and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib 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 and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of best cots for newborns, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.

No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.

If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.

A crib that converts into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different styles to match your furniture pieces and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.