9 . What Your Parents Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.

There are a variety of cribs, all with different dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are secure and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a compact bed made for infants and toddlers. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are on wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to that of the womb.

While many parents may want their children to remain in a crib for as long as possible, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.

There are bassinets too, which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort to parents some infants require in the early years. They are also more mobile and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For instance, there must be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats shouldn't be loose or missing. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.

There are cribs available with a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that include all the necessities.

If you are willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who do not wish to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their current one.

Style

As you look for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in a particular direction such as modern or rustic then you might want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright colors, and with many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.

There are cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could 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 infants, while the lower one is recommended cribs before your baby begins to sit up or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.

The mattress of a crib can be perched on a one-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats that can break or loosen with time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.

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

Safety

It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you're contemplating buying an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most recommended cribs solid mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from inhalation. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small could be risky for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard, that can cause trapping. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler cot beds for sale or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots and tots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit a low amount of chemicals to create a healthier indoor environment.

It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.

If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.

A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging 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 will help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is an excellent way to prolong the life of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.