9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

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

There are a variety of cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide 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 minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as they can, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used 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.

There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in the early years. They also are smaller and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child will prefer.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.

If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child outgrows the old one.

Style

As you look for the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by a particular direction such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.

To make life easier For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb because 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 infants, while the lower one is recommended before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, because it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or loosen over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into an infant Cot 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 less difficult. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

No matter what design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.

If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family usually results in an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of affordable cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.

It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with federal safety standards.

When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is at ease. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.

A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is a great way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and Best Cots for Newborns can be used on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.