9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing cribs beds - Going On this site - For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your child. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or can climb out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months or until they are too big. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for death by suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that only have the essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that will grow with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who do not need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
If you are in the market for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower setting should be used before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then think about a crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat to your child.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants may also roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower 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. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler 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 various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Certain 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 best infant cribs mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring Cot Bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to larger beds. It is best crib to have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child is at ease with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size Mini Cot Bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in various styles to match your furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.