9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is like the baby's womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in their early years. They are also more compact and therefore a great option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be missing or loose. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short of space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
When choosing a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up 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 position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then think about a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search 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. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to the suffocation. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly within the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head that could cause entrapment. Infants may also fall onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size cot beds for sale could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is at least 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 Cot Bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to a bigger bed. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where 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 at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.