The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe in the evening.

There are many types of cribs, each with different sizes, 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 tiny bed made for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the baby's womb.

While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs as long as they can but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.

There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be loose or absent. 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 chance of suffocation.

Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.

If you have a little more money, you can find cribs that can grow with your child into toddler cheap cot beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who do not want to invest in another crib every time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the general style of your home, whether modern 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 environments for infants. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.

You'll also find cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower position is recommended cribs before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they reach the age of a year.

The crib's mattress can be set on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal as this is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

Regardless of the 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 from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame for any imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a danger to your child.

If you are contemplating buying an best infant cribs's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to inhalation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size 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 many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.

It is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.

A crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match the furniture pieces you have and can be used on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.