9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety in the evening.

There are many types of cribs, each with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a compact bed made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to and are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.

While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or can be taken away.

There are also bassinets, which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you're unsure of what kind of bedding you would like for your child.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for death by suffocation.

Cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your Baby beds 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 bare essentials.

If you have more money to spend, you can find cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas cots and tots daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every when their child grows out of the current one.

Style

When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.

There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby 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 setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or roll over in the bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.

The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size cheap cot bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Whatever style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on 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 trapped between the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for larger beds. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them adjust.

Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in various designs to complement your other furniture pieces and are suitable for various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.