9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, 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, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to and the majority are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in a crib for as long as is possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until the time 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. These are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. In addition the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you are willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction like modern or rustic it is possible to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This kind of crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your Baby Cot Bed grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or roll over in bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal since it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have removable rails to make the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
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 (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.
If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head that could cause the entrapment of. Infants could also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which 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 both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of top rated cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place, it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the cot bed sales into the room in which the crib is. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is a great option to extend the life of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.