9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby beds
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the baby's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
There are also bassinets, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also are smaller, making them a good alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
There are cribs available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you have a bit more money, you can find best rated cribs that can grow with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want another one each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by an inclination, such as modern or rustic, you may want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use You can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It can make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for infants, while the lower setting should be used before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size best cot bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the style or design you choose, 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 and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you're contemplating buying a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler cot beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of online cots and include the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleeping. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit, it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
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. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time will help them settle.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be used on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.
