9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing cribs beds (read more on Roymorgan`s official blog) For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you both 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 easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. 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 let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months, or until they are too big. These are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They also are smaller which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would like.
To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that have the essentials.
If you are willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower one is recommended before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they are a year old.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, because it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or loosen over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to allow the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you're planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small cot beds can be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and 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 into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good cribs night's rest. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for a bigger bed. It is recommended cribs to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes with two people.
It is possible to 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 where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular basis will help them settle.
A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.