10 Quick Tips About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs that come in different 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 made for infants and babies. There are many types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and supportive environment similar to the womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible but some children are ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months older or is capable of getting out.
There are bassinets too, that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk for suffocation.
There are small cot beds in a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. 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 limited budget, you can still find cribs that include the essentials.
If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that will grow with your child into toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child grows out of the old crib.
Style
When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the style of your home reflects an inclination like rustic or contemporary, you may want to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and 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 and wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the infant stage. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is ideal for infants, while the lower one should be used before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which typically occurs by the time they are a year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame because it is more stable than wood slats which can break or loosen with time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as possible, then think about a crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you choose. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity with ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see whether there are any wood or paint flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be risky for your baby as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop rebreathing, or breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized 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
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an increase in the number of items, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler beds or full-size 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 brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in better indoor air quality.
It is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it's a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure they have an enjoyable sleep. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready for a bigger bed. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child will be at ease with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of 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 arrangement of sleeping.
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 a bed for your teenager. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in different designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.