9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old old or is capable of getting out.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also are smaller which makes them a good option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in various styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who do not need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful colors, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the best infant cribs stage. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.
The mattress can be set on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and best baby cots Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal as this is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to make the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for flaws in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to 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 accidental death from suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side or between the head and footboard, that can cause trapping. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family can result in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted 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 the family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will have to buy an adult bed or a full-size cot bed sales conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted 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. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.