10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial part of your baby's life. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you both safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, however all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
There are bassinets too, which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early months. They also are smaller, making them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child will prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be missing or loose. In addition the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
There are cribs available in many different styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or affordable cots And tots (Recommended Web page) changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you are willing to pay a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler mini cot beds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of designs and shapes that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. It's not recommended that you use this type 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 it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position is recommended before your baby is able to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.
The mattress of a crib can be set on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats that can break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then think about a crib that converts into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select it's crucial 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 compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your Baby beds.
If you are planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress 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 fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side, or between the head and footboard that could cause entrapment. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new items such as toys and clothes 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 purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll require a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended cribs that you have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit in place, it will take two people 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 decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.