9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.

There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the womb.

While many parents would like their children to remain in their cribs for as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common crib sets is the standard crib sets. It is suitable for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can climb out.

There are bassinets too, which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require during their first few months. They are also more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.

Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short on space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the essentials.

If you have a bit more money, you can find cribs that will grow with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a good choice for parents who don't need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their crib they have.

Style

If you are in the market for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You might want to choose a crib that matches the general style of your home, regardless of whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs include features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.

You'll also find cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs have 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 child can sit up or roll over in bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to make the transition from a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Regardless of the design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, check the crib frame to see whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden best infant cribs death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family can result in an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure your safety, pick the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.

When your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.