9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, all with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room, and most are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in their cribs for as long as possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be removed.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require during their early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. Also the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, Recommended Cribs take into consideration its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the general theme of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that include a changing table or Baby Cot Bed shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This type of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with 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 possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size best cot bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, check the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to inhalation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
It is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleeping. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet 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 the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit It should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that converts to a full-size bed is a great option to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.
