9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds (Es.Tfd.Com) For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's mattress and offer a safe place to sleep for your infant. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or climb out.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they are large. They are smaller, more compact cribs that provide the intimacy and comfort parents infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money to spend, you can find cribs that will grow with your child into toddler cheap cot beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great crib option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child outgrows the old crib.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You might want to choose a crib that matches the general theme of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs 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.
For ease of use For convenience, you can also locate cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower setting should be used prior to when your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they are a year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to make the transition to the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose it's crucial 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 to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy 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 is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed 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 usually results in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery cots. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size cot beds could help you save 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 models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
No matter if you choose 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 from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place it should take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.
You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.