9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential aspect of your baby’s life. A crib will aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety during the night.

There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.

Size

A crib is a small bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler’s bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs have wheels that allow them to be moved from room to, and most are designed to minimize the risk of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.

Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready move to a toddler’s bed sooner. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that is suitable from birth until your child is about 18 months old or is capable of getting out.

There are also bassinets, which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs that are smaller and more compact. They provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require during their early years. They are also more portable and therefore a great alternative if you’re not sure of what kind of bedding you’d like for your child.

Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib’s frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed should also not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this can trap the child’s head or legs and increase the risk of suffocation.

Cribs can be bought in different styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. They are particularly useful for breastfeeding moms in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If, however, you are limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib, you can find cribs that have only the basic necessities.

If you’re willing to pay a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be a good choice for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every when their child grows out of the current one.

Style

When you’re looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby’s nursery. It is possible to pick a crib that matches the overall style of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with an array of distinctive shapes and styles.

Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety developed and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats and non-toxic materials that are all geared towards your baby’s safety as well as his wellbeing.

You’ll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This kind of crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It can make it easier to escape.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting works well for babies. The lower position is ideal when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year.

The mattress of a crib can be positioned on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal as this is considered to be more durable than wooden slats which can break or loosen over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn’t allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possible risk of suffocation for infants.

If you plan to keep your baby in the crib for as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a toddler’s bed, daybed and then eventually a full size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition to a regular bed easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights.

Safety

No matter what design or style you pick, it’s essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the conformity to ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the crib’s packaging or in the description. Also, check the crib’s frame to see if there are any paint or wood defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you plan to buy a new crib mattress for your baby’s crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will decrease the risk of death by accident due to suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported deaths identified by the NPR as well as two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, like gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and head that could cause trapping. Infants could be able to roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.

Certain manufacturers are now selling “breathable” crib mattresses, which they claim promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in the baby’s own carbon dioxide, which is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

A baby joining your family usually results in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition to childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for a variety of cots and include the headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the right mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night’s sleep. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that meets federal safety standards.

You’ll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready for a bigger bed. Ideally, you should have this in place before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be at ease with the new transition. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.

A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Involving your child in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.

A crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and also provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in a variety of styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be used on many different types of mattresses, including twin and full size.