The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial part of your baby's life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with varying dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a compact bed that is designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to that of the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or climb out.
There are also bassinets which can be used from birth to four months, best Rated cribs or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They are also more mobile which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. Also the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend, you can find cribs that can grow with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select a crib that matches the general style of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure 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 to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable 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 can be set on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Cot Bed Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, look into a crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard that could cause trapping. Infants can also fall onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant cot bed to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleep. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler mini cot beds.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit It will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that converts to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.