Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Cribs Beds Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib will aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety in the evening.

There are many different types of cribs, each with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

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

While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as is possible however, some parents will be prepared to transition to a toddler bed sooner than others. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib which can be used from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of getting out.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months or until they are too big. They are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in their early years. They are also more compact which makes them a good alternative if you're not certain what kind of bedding your child would prefer.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. Also the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard as these can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation.

You can buy cribs with a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelves or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.

If you are willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the old crib.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. If the style of your home is in a particular direction like modern or rustic then you might want to choose a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various designs and shapes and with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. Initially, they were simple cradles that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety developed and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.

great crib 'll also find cribs that include with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the infant stage. However, it's not recommended that you use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which typically occurs by the time they turn one year old.

The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame since it's more durable than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They typically have rails that can be removed to allow the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.


Safety

It is essential to select cribs that adhere to strict safety standards, irrespective of the style or design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Look for Full Statement on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for flaws in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your baby.

If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve a crib bed that is too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the footboard and the head that could cause the entrapment of. Infants can also fall on the mattress, or be trapped between the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding an infant to your family, you will likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. The purchase of cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots, and come with the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.

If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib it is important to buy the right mattress so that your child has a comfortable night's rest. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the federal safety standards for toddler beds and cribs.

If your child is ready to transition 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 two to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once you have your crib and mattress kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.

Certain things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.

Having a crib that can convert to a full-size bed is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child through their teens. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.