9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your cheap baby cots in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, 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 compact bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler Cot Bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room-to-room and the majority are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs for as long as they can, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old old or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for infants from birth to four months, or until they are too large. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require during their early months. They are also more compact, making them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child would like.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater 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 legs or head and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.
If you have a bit more money there are cribs that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler cheap cot beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy a new crib every time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is in a particular direction, such as rustic or contemporary it is possible to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
To make life easier You can also find cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower position should be used before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens before they are a year old.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could cause the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then look into a crib that can be converted into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death from the suffocation. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be a hazard, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, relate to the 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 the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you will likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.
If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.
A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in various designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.