9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing cribs beds (watch this video) For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital 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 many cribs of various 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 that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the baby's womb.

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

There are bassinets too, that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also are smaller which makes them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would prefer.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.

Cribs can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that include the essentials.

If you have more money, you can find cribs that will grow with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the crib they have previously used.

Style

As you look for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the style of the nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by an inclination like rustic or contemporary it is possible to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with many unique shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.

For convenience, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is ideal when your baby can sit up or roll in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.

The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy 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 are planning to keep your baby in the crib 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 removable rails to allow the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Whatever design or style you pick, 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 and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any imperfections in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your child.

If you're planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably within the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and head, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to ensure a safe sleep and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler cot beds or full size mini cot beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.

It is important to choose the best infant cribs mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in an additional bed. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place It will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.

A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new arrangement of sleeping.

A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be used on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.