9 . What 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 can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe during the night.

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

Size

A crib is a tiny bed designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.

While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs as long as possible, some 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's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.

Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they are large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. Also, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.

There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.

If you are willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child is out of the old one.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose an option that fits the general style of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.

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

There are cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier to get out.

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 babies. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in the infant cot bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to make the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger to your baby.

If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from the suffocation. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop 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 decrease the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of Cheap cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.

It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready for a bigger bed. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place it will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

Certain things can make the transition to the toddler Mini Cot Bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.

A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.