9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others may be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months or until they become too large. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They are also more compact which makes them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs are available in different designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. 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. If, however, you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that only have the essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can grow with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is influenced by a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your Baby Cot Bed grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby is able to sit or best cot beds roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to make the transition from the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, check the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head, that can cause entrapment. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to promote safe sleep, and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit it will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. 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 get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size Mini Cot Bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.