10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months, or until they become too big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also 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. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
top ranked cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget there are cribs that have only the essentials.
If you have more money to spend, you can find cribs that can be adapted to grow 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 don't need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in one particular direction such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the best infant cribs stage. It's not recommended cribs that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower one should be used before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine whether 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, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant cot bed death syndrome. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save 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 cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's best crib, whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleeping. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready for a bigger bed. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit It should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
Certain things can 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. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.
