10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of the baby's life. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe during the night.

There are a variety of top ranked cribs, each with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a bed designed for babies and infants. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your baby. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to reduce the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can climb out.

There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early months. They are also more compact, making them a good cribs option if you're not sure which bedding type your child will prefer.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be loose or absent. In addition the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, as these can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in various styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs that have all the necessities.

If you're willing invest a little more you can purchase cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs beds are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want an entirely new crib each time their child is out of the crib they have previously used.

Style

As you look for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. You may want to select a crib that matches the overall theme of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are many cribs available in various designs and shapes that come with natural wood or colored finishes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.

You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the newborn stage. It's not recommended to use this kind of crib when your baby is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to escape.

Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby learns to roll or sit up in bed, which usually happens by the time they reach the age of a year.

The crib's mattress can be set on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal because it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be solid and tightly fitted to the crib so it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.

If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, think about a crib that converts into a toddler bed, daybed and eventually a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to allow the transition from an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

Whatever style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with 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 the description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for imperfections in the wood or paint that could pose a risk to your child.

If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small cot beds can be risky for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety dangers, including gaps between the mattress and the sides, or between the head and footboard which can lead to entrapment. Infants can also fall onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby's own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. There is no epidemiological proof that breathable crib mattresses decrease the risk for SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding the addition of a new child to your family, you will likely need to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence easier for your child and the family. These conversion kits can be bought for many brands of affordable cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit a low amount of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

It is essential to choose the right mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleeping. You can pick from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. Pick a foam mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready for an additional bed. It is recommended that you have this in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib and mattress kit, it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult size bed.

You can make the transition from a crib the toddler bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Involving your child in the transition by giving them a choice of toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new sleeping arrangement.

A crib that converts to a full size bed is a great option to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs come in different designs to complement your other furniture pieces and are suitable for numerous types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.