10 Facts About Cribs Beds That Can Instantly Put You In An Optimistic Mood
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you and your baby safe during the night.
There are a myriad of cribs of various sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs, however all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the birthing womb.
While many parents may want their children to remain in their cribs as long as they can but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or they can be taken away.
There are also bassinets, that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They are also more compact and therefore a great option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would prefer.
Both cribs and bassinets 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 the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be sagging or missing. In addition the bed shouldn't be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, because they could trap a child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs can be bought in a variety of designs and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful if you plan on breastfeeding and allowing you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that only have the basic necessities.
If you have more money to spend there are cribs that can grow with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and are a great option for parents who don't want another one each time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When you're looking for a crib, consider the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing.
There are cribs that include a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. Cots For Tots UK 's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb, as it could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower position is recommended before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they reach the age of a 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 a metal spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
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. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, examine the crib frame to see whether there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you're looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, choose the firmest mattress you can find. This will lower the risk of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, thought 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
If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child and family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleep. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed once your child is ready for an additional bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib to 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 a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Offering your child a selection of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to sleep on a regular basis will help them settle.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.