The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing cribs cot beds (via sknlabourparty.com) For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.

There are many different types of cribs, each with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and 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 a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the womb.

Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready change to a toddler's crib sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.

There are also bassinets which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that some infants need during their first few months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would like.

To ensure the safety of your child, cribs and bassinets both have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats shouldn't be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.

You can buy cribs in many different designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're short of space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs with the essentials.

If you have a bit more money on a crib, you can find one that can develop with your child into toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who do not need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.

Style

If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction such as modern or rustic then you might want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As awareness of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.

For convenience You can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or lie down in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose an hazard of suffocation to infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to 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 usually results in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots and tots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.

No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.

If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the new transition. 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 for two people.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib sets. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them adjust.

A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in various styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.