13 Things About Cribs Beds You May Not Have Considered

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib lets them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.

There are many types of cribs, all with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and easy to use and in line with the latest design trends.

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 baby. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment similar to the womb.

Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready to change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out.

There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. They are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that infants require in the early years. They are also more portable, making them an attractive option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you'd like for your child.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For instance, there must be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. Also the bed shouldn't have cutouts in the headboard or footboard since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have a limited budget, you can find cribs that have only the basic necessities.

If you have a little more money, you can find cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are commonly referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a good choice for parents who don't wish to purchase a new crib every when their child grows out of the crib they have.

Style

As you look for the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction such as rustic or contemporary, you may want to choose one that matches the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright colors, and with a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety grew and stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection against accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.

You'll also find cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This type crib is not recommended for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This is usually around the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or become loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also often have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It is 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 compliance with ASTM International standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you're planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve crib beds that are too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which create entrapment risks; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote sleeping in a safe manner and reduce the risk of breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family can result in an increase in the number of items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery.  top rated cots  of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money 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 cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is at a minimum of 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.

A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child. These include keeping the bedding and bedroom decor constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them to adjust.

A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.