9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the baby's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready change 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 about 18 months older or has the capacity of climbing out.
There are also bassinets, which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be loose or absent. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you have a bit more money, you can find cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who do not want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
As you look for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. If the design of your home is in one particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This type crib sets is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could 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 cot beds used when your baby can sit up or roll in the bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal because it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition from the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your child.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve 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 the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family can result in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized cheap cot bed or a toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is a great method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs through their teens. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses, including twin and full size.