3 Common Causes For Why Your Cribs Beds Isn't Working (And How To Fix It) Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential element of your baby's development. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety in the evening.

There are a myriad of cribs that come in different dimensions, 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 tiny bed made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to lower the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the womb.

While a lot of parents want their children to remain in their cribs as long as they can however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of climbing out.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months, or until they are too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort parents infants require in the early months. They also come in smaller sizes which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain which bedding type your child would prefer.

Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap larger than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

There are cribs available with a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have a limited budget there are cribs that have only the bare essentials.

If you're willing spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be converted into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child grows out of the old crib.


Style

As you look for a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction such as rustic or contemporary then you might want to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are many cribs available in various shapes and styles and with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.

You'll also find cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit to make it easier for parents during the infant stage. This kind crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or roll in bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.

The crib's mattress can be perched on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame as it is more sturdy than wooden slats which can break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If mini cot beds looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Whatever style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib's packaging or in the description. Also, look over the crib's frame to determine whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous 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 reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and crib sides or headboard.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Certain manufacturers are now selling "breathable" crib mattresses which claim to encourage the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's 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 can result in an influx of new items such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

Whether you opt for a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress so that your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.

You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is ready to move on to an additional bed. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit are in place, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for two people.

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

A crib that can be converted to a full size bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also provides a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.