The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial part of your baby's life. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, all with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a small bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready move to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months, or until they are too large. These are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They are also more compact which makes them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Cribs can be purchased in various designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you have more money on a crib, you can find one that will develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select 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 a variety of designs and shapes and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against falls 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.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could 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. The lower position is best crib used when your child can sit up or lie down in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then look into a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
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 meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its 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 contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size cot beds for sale can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of online cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or Cheap Cot bed full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.
You can make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.
