9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are a variety of cribs with different dimensions, 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 bed designed for babies and infants. There are many different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs as long as they can, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.

Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months or until they become too large. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They are also more compact, making them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would prefer.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be sagging or missing. Also, the bed should not have cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.

Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.

If you're willing spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who don't wish to purchase a new crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.

There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The mattress can be set on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size Mini Cot Bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you are planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small cot beds can be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that create entrapment risks; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size best cot beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.

If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, converting the crib to 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 comfortable for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that converts to a full size bed is a great way to prolong the life of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.