9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing cribs beds (Check Out Magicode) For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and Cribs also keeps both of you safe during the night.
There are many cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or can climb out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months or until they become too large. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require during their early months. They are also more mobile and therefore a great option if you're unsure about what type of bedding you would like for your child.
To ensure the safety of your child cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.
You can purchase cribs in many different styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a a limited budget, you can find cribs that just feature the basic necessities.
If you're willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are known as cots 4 tots-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child grows out of the old one.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
You'll also find cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the newborn stage. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for newborns, and the lower one should be used prior to when your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they are a year old.
The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, since it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to stop air from circulating around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that converts into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame for defects in the wood or paint that could pose a danger for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head that could cause trapping. Infants can be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you add the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low chemical emissions for better indoor air quality.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can pick from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or Cot Beds an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment and also provide the bed your child needs through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.