The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential 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 with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a compact bed designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is like 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 switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months or until they are too large. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They also are smaller, making them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be sagging or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
There are cribs available in many different designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget there are cribs that have only the bare essentials.
If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select an option that fits the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or best baby cots color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide more protection from falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
For ease of use, you can also find cribs with a changing table and shelving unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are able to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, because it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could break or become loose over the course of time. The base must be secure and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition to a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a danger to your baby.
If you plan to buy a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head, that can cause entrapment. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or get trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep, and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size cheap cot beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is Best cot for newborn to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress 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, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in different styles to match your furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.