9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.

There are many cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to the baby's womb.

Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or they can be taken away.

Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months or until they become too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in their early months. They are also more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.

If you have more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that will develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are typically 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 time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.

Style

When you are looking cot for sale a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general theme of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.

There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.

The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you intend to keep your cheap baby cots for sale in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you select. 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. Also, look over the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk to your child.

If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly inside the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to entrapment. Infants can be able to roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size cheap cot beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place It should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.

Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.