9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or can climb out.
There are also bassinets which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs 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 missing or loose. Also the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the headboard or footboard, because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs are available in different designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you're willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs beds became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or lie down in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to make the transition from an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger 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 reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in 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.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants could also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler best cot beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard cots and tots footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for better indoor air quality.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick 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 the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are installed, Best Baby Cots converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.