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, all with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to that of 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 earlier than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or can be removed.

Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they are big. These are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in their early months. They are also more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. Also the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs with the essentials.

If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who do not wish to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their current one.

Style

When choosing a best crib newborn, consider the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary design, the top ranked cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.

There are cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens before they turn one year old.

The crib's mattress can be set on a one-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 sturdy than wood slats that can break or loosen over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They typically have removable rails to allow the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib frame to see if there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly into the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was 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 can cause entrapment. Infants can also roll on the mattress, or be trapped between the headboard or the wall.

Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized 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 typically leads to an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full size best cot beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.

It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them settle.

A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.