9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to the womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as they can however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until your child is 18 months old old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months or until they become too big. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that infants require in the early years. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be sagging or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs with the essentials.
If you're willing pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want another one each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and top ranked cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from 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.
There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower one should be used prior to when your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame to see if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam 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 on from the crib, you'll require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place It will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great crib option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.