9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby Crib
Sleep is a vital part of the baby's life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and are designed to reduce the chance of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable space similar to the birthing womb.
While a lot of parents want their children to stay in their cribs as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.
Bassinets can be used by infants from birth to four months, or until they are too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in the early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also 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 sagging or missing. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts on the headboard or footboard since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs can be purchased in a variety of designs and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs could be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are limited in space and have a a limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the essentials.
If you're willing spend a little extra you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great crib option for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the design of your home is in an inclination like rustic or contemporary then you might want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles that come with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. They were initially simple cradles that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from falling or entrapment. Today's cribs come with features such as solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They focus on your baby's well-being and safety.
There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll in bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single-piece board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more stable than wood slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose a suffocation hazard for Cheap Baby cots infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress less difficult. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search 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 crib's packaging or in the description. In addition, examine the crib frame for any flaws in the paint or wood which could pose a threat to your child.
If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden best infant cribs death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents, including 21 reported fatalities reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cheap cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit in place it will take less than 30 minutes to change the crib into an adult size bed.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the bedroom decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular basis can help them to adjust.
Having a crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.