The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial aspect of the life of your baby. A crib lets them learn to sleep independently, and it also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs available, but they all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready switch 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 the time your child is about 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months, or until they become too big. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can provide the closeness to parents that infants require in the early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard because this could trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget, you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.
If you have a bit more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who do not need to buy an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the style of the nursery. It is possible to pick one that is in line with the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's rustic or contemporary. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. 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 get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby cots on sale grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or roll over in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be set on a single piece of board or grid of wood slats, 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 can break or become loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to stop excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have removable rails to facilitate the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what design or style you pick 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 packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or wood that could pose a risk to your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
It is essential to choose the best crib newborn mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleep. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in different sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose a foam mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler cot beds.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
You can 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 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 basis can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide a Cot Bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be used on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.