10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial element of your baby's development. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are a variety of cribs, each with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and suitable for modern designs.

Size

A crib is a compact bed designed for infants and toddlers. 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 on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the womb.

Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others might be ready to switch them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or climb out.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they are too large. These are smaller and smaller than best rated cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there must be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.

If you have a little more money on a crib, you can find one that will develop with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 best rated cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home reflects a particular direction, such as modern or rustic it is possible to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.

You'll also find cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you select. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or wood which could pose a threat to your baby.

If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 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 can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head that could cause trapping. Infants could also roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the headboard or the wall.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size cheap cot beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure your safety, pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready for an additional bed. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.

Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.

A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.