Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing cribs beds (click here for more info) For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are a variety of cribs, all with varying sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a compact bed made for infants and toddlers. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the baby's womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their cheap baby cots in the crib as long as they can, while others may be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or is capable of getting out.

Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they are big. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would prefer.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.

Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.

If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that can expand with your child to toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want another one each time their child grows out of the crib they have previously used.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery cots of your baby. If the design of your home reflects one particular direction such as modern or rustic it is possible to pick one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.

You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. It's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they are a year old.

The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, because it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition to an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you welcome an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

It is essential to choose the best mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleeping. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the Cot Bed into the room where the crib is. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on many different types of mattresses, Baby Crib such as twin and full size.