The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing cribs beds (research by the staff of Spb) For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a myriad of cribs of various dimensions, styles, and baby Crib mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to and the majority are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother's womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is around 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months or until they are too large. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require in their early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great alternative if you're not certain what type of bedding your child would prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be adhered to for 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 sagging or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while still in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the bare essentials.
If you have more money to spend on a crib, you can find one that will expand with your child to toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the old one.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home reflects one particular direction like modern or rustic, you may want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. At first, they were cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety developed and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib sets designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens before they are a year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood slats, 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 break or become loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop the excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then think about a crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to make the transition to the regular bed more straightforward, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever style or design you choose, it's essential 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 conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib sets mattress and the side or between the footboard and head, that can cause entrapment. Infants could also fall onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add an infant to your family, you'll likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for an environment that is healthier.
It is crucial to select the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have an uncomfortably sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for an additional bed. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit It will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys 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 method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.