The No. #1 Question That Everyone In Cribs Beds Should Know How To Answer
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial part of your baby's life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe at night.
There are many types of cribs, all with different sizes and styles, as well as 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 that is designed for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room and are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment similar to the mother's womb.
While many parents may want their children to stay in a crib for as long as possible but some children are prepared to transition to a toddler bed faster than others. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib, that can be used from birth until the time your child is about 18 months old or is capable of getting out.
There are bassinets too, which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. They are smaller, more compact cribs that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in the early months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child would prefer.
Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of your child. For example, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the frame of the crib and the slats must not be loose or missing. The bed shouldn't have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's head or legs and increase the risk for suffocation.
Cribs are available in a variety of styles and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very useful as you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money, you can find cribs that will expand with your child to toddler beds, or even sofas and daybeds. These cribs are known as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a great choice for parents who don't want to buy another one each time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style in relation to the style of the nursery. If the style of your home reflects a 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 crib options in natural wood or colorful colors, and with many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for infants. They were initially cradles which could be rocked. As the concept of child safety grew and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that incorporate shelves or a changing table unit for convenience during the newborn 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 get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for babies, and the lower setting is recommended before your baby is able to sit or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they are a year old.
The mattress can be placed on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal as this is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or loosen over time. The base should be sturdy and tightly fitted to the crib so that it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also come with adjustable levels for the mattress.
Safety
It is essential to select cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you select. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and conformity to ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. In cots 4 tots , examine the crib frame for any imperfections in the wood or paint which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the sides, or between the footboard and head that could cause entrapment. Infants could also roll onto the mattress or get trapped between the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will ensure a safe sleep and stop breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no scientific evidence that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many models of cribs and usually come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical to create a healthier indoor environment.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get a comfortable sleep. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to meet your needs. Pick a foam mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness, or an innerspring bed that is compliant with federal safety standards.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. It is recommended to do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once you have your crib and mattress kit, it should take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular time will help them settle.
cots offers that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide range of mattresses including twin or full size.