9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

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

There are many types of cribs, each with varying sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked 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 many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your child. Some cribs come 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 secure and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until your child is 18 months old older or is capable of getting out.

There are bassinets too, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in the early months. They also come in smaller sizes, making them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would prefer.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.

You can purchase cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.

If you're willing to spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child is out of the old one.

Style

When choosing a crib, consider its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

You'll also find cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. It's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or roll in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts 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 Mini Cot Bed easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's best crib newborn choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.

There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head that could cause trapping. Infants could also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots and tots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for a bigger bed. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.

Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.

A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide the bed your child needs through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.