The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing cribs best cot beds, Diggerslist`s recent blog post, For Your Baby

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

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

Size

A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment like the womb.

Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others may be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most recommended cribs common type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months older or has the capacity of getting out.

Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they are too large. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would like.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be loose 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 of death by suffocation.

Cribs are available in a variety of designs and finishes, and some include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the best crib. If you're limited on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.

If you're willing invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want a new one every time their child grows out of the crib they have previously used.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home reflects an inclination, such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with an array of distinctive designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.

For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are able to stand or climb. It could make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower setting is recommended before your baby learns to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens before they reach the age of a year.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be solid and securely attached to the crib, so that it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also come with adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

Whatever style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, look over the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you are looking to purchase an infant cot bed's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks as well as infants who roll on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.

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 best crib to have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child will be at ease with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.

A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that is able to transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and provide a bed for your child through their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on numerous kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.