We've Had Enough! 15 Things About Cribs Beds We're Tired Of Hearing
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib allows them to learn to sleep independently, and it keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are many cribs that come in different sizes, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed specifically designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a secure and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in a crib for as long as they can, some will be ready to move them to a toddler bed faster than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth to four months, or until they become too big. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort parents infants require in the early months. They are also more portable and therefore a great option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of suffocation.
Cribs are available in a variety of styles and finishes, and some have integrated changing tables or shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that have only the essentials.
If you are willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs and can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase another one each time their child grows out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You might want to choose a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant colors, and with a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for convenience in the early stages of infanthood. However, it's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for infants, while the lower position should be used before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they reach the age of a year.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib for as long as you can, then think about a crib that can be converted into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs usually have removable rails that make the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
No matter what design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, look over the crib's frame to see if there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to the suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small can be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. good cribs include a variety dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head which can lead to the entrapment of. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. cheap cots is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to nursery furniture. Investing in cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of cots, and come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low chemical emissions for a healthier indoor environment.
It is essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an enjoyable sleeping. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Pick a foam 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 toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in larger beds. This should be done before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
A few things can help make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.
Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your furniture pieces and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.