10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple 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 different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to the baby's womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to remain in a crib for as long as possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or is capable of getting out.

Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months or until they become too big. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in the early months. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child would prefer.

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

Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find top ranked cribs with the basic necessities.

If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler cot beds for sale or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child outgrows the old one.

Style

If you are in the market for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects one particular direction like modern or rustic it is possible to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and Online Cots with many unique shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.

For convenience, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or roll in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.

The crib's mattress can be perched on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the 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 are contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant cot bed death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.

There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots and tots. They also come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.

It is important to choose the best mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to larger beds. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place, it will take less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging 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 can help them adapt 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 a bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.