9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment like the baby's womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you have a little more money to spend, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, and even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs with an adjustable table tots and cots shelving unit. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib until your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby cots on sale grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more durable than wooden slats which can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select, 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 and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib choose the most recommended cribs firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to the suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on 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 can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated and cause 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 stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler mini cot beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleeping. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. 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 mattress and crib kit in place, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular time will help them settle.
A crib that converts into a full size bed is an excellent way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.