9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs beds are on wheels, so they can be moved around the house. 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.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs as long as possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition 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 old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they are big. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. Also the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby while 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 essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in an inclination like rustic or contemporary it is possible to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
For ease of use You can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is best used when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small cot beds could be a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and head that could cause trapping. Infants can also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that claim to promote safe sleep, and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for Mini Cot Beds your child and family. These conversion kits are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleeping. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam 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.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can be converted 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 many styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.
