9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe in the evening.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles cots and tots mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple 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 all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are also bassinets that can be used from best cot newborn to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with the essentials.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can find cribs that can develop with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier You can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This type of crib is not recommended cot for sale babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier 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 ideal when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal since it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, look into a crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your Baby Crib.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard, that can cause entrapment. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or become wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
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 an enjoyable sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to larger beds. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in various designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be used on numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.