13 Things You Should Know About Cribs Beds That You Might Not Have Considered
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs of various dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as they can however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months, or until they are big. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in the early years. They also come in smaller sizes, making them a good option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of the child to suffocate.
Cribs can be bought in different designs and finishes, and some even come with changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms and allowing you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that include the essentials.
If you are willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who don't want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration its style in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is in an inclination such as modern or rustic, you may want to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience, you can also find cribs with shelves and a changing table unit. However, go now 's not recommended to use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb, as it could make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for infants. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or lie down in bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, since it is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever design or style you pick regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame for defects in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat to your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death from the suffocation. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be a hazard, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib side or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards and infants slipping 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.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to childhood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits can be bought for various brands of cots and include an adjustable headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
It is crucial to select the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in various sizes to meet your requirements. Select a 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.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to larger beds. It is best to 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 transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.
A crib that can be converted to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.