The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important part of your baby's life. A crib lets them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the baby's womb.
While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as is possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or be taken away.
There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in their early months. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between a 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 of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby while still in the crib sets. If you're short on space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you are willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to buy an entirely new crib each time their child grows 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 style of your home reflects a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your cheap baby cots's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower one should be used prior to when your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats which can break or become loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head which can lead to entrapment. Infants may be able to roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits are available for various brands of cots and tots and include a footboard and headboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleep. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will need to purchase an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it installed 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 is in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.