9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many types of cribs, all with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a small bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are several different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable space similar to the mother's womb.

While many parents would like their children to remain 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 recommended cribs popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be removed.

There are also bassinets that can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they give parents the intimacy that some infants need during their first few months. They are also more compact, making them a good option if you're not sure which bedding type your child will prefer.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be sagging or missing. In addition, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, because they could hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

Cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that only have the basic necessities.

If you have more money to spend, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who do not want to invest in a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs include features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for babies, and the lower setting should be used before your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which usually occurs by the time they turn one year old.

The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, because it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could create an hazard of suffocation to infants.

If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, think about a crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

No matter what 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 compliance with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to determine if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard that could cause the entrapment of. Infants could also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between it and the wall or headboard.

Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that they claim will promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.

If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll require an adult Cot Bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them adjust.

Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teenage years. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in a variety of designs to complement your other furniture pieces and are suitable for various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.