9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of your baby’s life. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe during the night.

There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, 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 made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs have wheels so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the baby's womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or is capable of climbing out.

Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth until four months, or until they become too large. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

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

You can purchase cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the essentials.

If you have a bit more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds and even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who don't wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, consider the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are numerous crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and best Crib for newborn with many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and the need for a stationary crib became norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.

You'll also find cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not recommended cribs for babies who are able to climb or stand. It can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is ideal when your baby is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, as this is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.

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

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, baby cots on sale this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a danger to your child.

If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. If the mattress is too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

There are reports of accidents that are not fatal, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR, and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose risk of suffocation; mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you'll likely need to buy many new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that transform into toddler beds or full size mini cot beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of 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 the safety standards of the federal government.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. It is recommended to do this before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib mattress and kit it should take two people less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Engaging your child in the transition process by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.

A crib that converts into a full-size bed is a great way to extend the time-to-value of your investment. It also offers an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, including twin and full size.