9 . What 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 allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are a myriad of cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the womb.

While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs for as long as possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or be taken away.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months, or until they are large. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They are also more mobile, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be loose or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the headboard or footboard because they could restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.

Cribs can be bought in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the essentials.

If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the current one.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall style of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

There are cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. It's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can 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 position is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then look into a crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

It is important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib frame for any defects in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your baby.

If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small cot beds could be hazardous for your cheap baby cots as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants could also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots offers, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.

When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult best cot bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.

You can make the transition from a crib to the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys 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 a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.