The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps both of you safe during the night.

There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.

Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or climb out.

There are also bassinets, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require in their early months. They are also more compact which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would like.

To ensure your child's safety, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of the child to suffocate.

Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.

If you're willing to invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child grows out of the old one.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.

To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs beds that have a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for infants, while the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.

The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats, which may 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, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look 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 the wood that could pose a danger to your baby.

If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your Baby Crib could get caught between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve crib cot beds for sale that are too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family can result in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually 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.

No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in larger beds. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and Baby Crib ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.

You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.

Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in different styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.