9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, each with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a small bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to and are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others might be ready change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or climb out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they become too large. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in the early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. Also the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have the essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler cheap cot beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who don't want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction like modern or rustic it is possible to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
For ease of use You can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower setting should be used before your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat to your child.
If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; tots and cots mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to 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 decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment 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 baby to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots and tots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. It is best to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler Mini Cot Bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.