10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a crucial part of your baby's life. A crib helps them develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.

There are many cribs with different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a small bed that is designed for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. Some cribs are on wheels, so they can be moved around the home. They are generally designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the mother's womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to remain in a crib for as long as they can, some will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or is capable of getting out.

There are bassinets too, which can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in their early years. They are also more compact, making them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would like.

To ensure your child's safety cribs and bassinets also have safety guidelines. For example, there should be no gaps bigger than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats should not be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for death by suffocation.

Cribs can be purchased in various styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short of space or have a small budget you can still find cribs that include the essentials.

If you're willing to invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child outgrows the crib they have previously used.

Style

As you look for the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home reflects one particular direction like modern or rustic then you might want to pick the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of recommended cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As awareness of child safety evolved, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs shifted to provide better protection from accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like sturdy construction, a proper 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 include with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents in the early stages of infanthood. However, it's not recommended cribs to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb because 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 position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is best crib used when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the Mini Cot Bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.

The mattress can be set on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats, which may be loosened or broken over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

Whatever style or design you select 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 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 see whether there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.

If you're looking to purchase a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will help reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could get caught between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 fatalities reported in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, such as gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to trapping. Infants can be able to roll on the mattress, or be wedged between it and the wall or headboard.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you add an infant to your family, you will likely need to buy a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for many brands of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select a foam mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will need to purchase a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them to adjust.

A crib that converts into a full size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.