9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both safe during the night.
There are many types of cribs, each with varying dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to room, and most are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable space similar to the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others may be ready to switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
There are also bassinets, which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early years. They also are smaller which makes them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child will prefer.
To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For instance, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. Additionally the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can buy cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a a limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money, you can find cribs that can be adapted to expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who don't wish to purchase another best crib for newborn every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction like rustic or contemporary it is possible to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many best rated cribs available in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower one is recommended before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal because it is believed to be more sturdy than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you are planning to keep your Baby Crib in the crib as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a 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
It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to 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 buy an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and head, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of online cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleep. You can choose from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size Mini Cot Bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in larger beds. It is recommended to do this 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 in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult size bed.
You can make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.