10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part 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 variety of cribs, each 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 compact bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room-to-room, and most are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a supportive and comfortable environment that is similar to the mother’s womb.

Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to switch to a toddler’s bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or they can be taken away.

There are bassinets too, that can be used from newborn to four months, or until the baby becomes too large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but they can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need in their early months. They also are smaller and therefore a great alternative if you’re not certain what type of bedding your child will prefer.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed for the safety of your child. There shouldn’t be a gap larger than two fingers between a crib’s frame and mattress and the slats must not be missing or loose. The bed shouldn’t have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child’s legs or head and increase the risk for the child to suffocate.

Cribs can be purchased in different designs and finishes, and some even include changing tables and shelving units. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. However, if you are not a lot of space and have the funds to purchase a crib there are cribs that just feature the essentials.

If you’re willing pay a little more, you can buy cribs that can be converted into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal option for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.

Style

When you’re looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the nursery of your baby. You may want to select one that is in line with the overall style of your home, regardless of whether it’s modern or rustic. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with many unique designs and shapes.

Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. They were initially cribs that could be rocked. As the understanding of child safety evolved and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer greater protection against falls and entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby’s well-being and safety.

For convenience For convenience, you can also locate cribs with an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not recommended for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier 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 one should be used before your baby begins to sit or roll in bed, which typically happens before they turn one year old.

The crib’s mattress can be perched on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring frame since it’s more sturdy than wooden slats, which may break or loosen with time. The base should be firm and firm to stop the air from circulating around the mattress. This could create the risk of suffocation for infants.

If you’re planning to keep your baby in a crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs usually have rails that can be removed to make the transition from a crib to a regular mattress less difficult. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

Regardless of the style or design you select 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 and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in the description. In addition, inspect the crib’s frame for defects in the wood or paint which could pose a threat to your child.

If you’re planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby’s bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress is able to fit snugly inside the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small can be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Some reports of nonfatal incidents that include 21 fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib’s side, or the footboard and head that pose entrapment hazards; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes, and other health issues.

Some manufacturers now offer “breathable” crib mattresses which claim to encourage safe sleep and prevent rebreathing, or breathing in the baby’s own carbon dioxide, which is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

Adding a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things such as toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert 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 are available for many kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemicals for a healthier indoor atmosphere.

It is important to choose the right mattress for your child’s crib, whether it be a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can pick between foam mattresses, innerspring and 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 safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.

If your child is ready to move on from the crib, you will have to buy an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two to ensure the process is smooth and your child will be comfortable with the transition. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes with two people.

You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Giving your child a choice of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed at a regular schedule will help them settle.

A crib that can transform into a bed that is full size is an excellent option to prolong the life of your investment, and provide an additional bed for your child throughout their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in various styles to match the furniture pieces you have and are suitable for many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.