The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with different dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can but some children are ready to move them 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 your child is about 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the bare essentials.
If you have a bit more money, you can find cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who don't wish to purchase an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the current one.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is best cot newborn used when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single piece of board, a 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 can break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to make the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to the suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and head which can lead to trapping. Infants could also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, Cots 4 Tots or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place It will take 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 a toddler-sized cot bed sales more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.