Ten Things You've Learned In Kindergarden That Will Help You With Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. such a good point will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and keep you both safe in the evening.
There are many cribs of various dimensions, styles, 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 made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your child. Some cribs are on wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to the womb.
While many parents would like their children to stay in their cribs for as long as possible however, some parents will be ready to move them to a toddler bed earlier than others. The most common type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until your child is 18 months old older or is capable of getting out.
Bassinets can be used by babies from birth until four months, or until they are too big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in the early years. They are also more compact, making 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 in order to protect your child. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. The bed should also not 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.
You can purchase cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. These can be particularly convenient for breastfeeding moms, as it will enable you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're limited on space or have a tight budget you can still find cribs with all the necessities.
If you are willing to invest a little more, you can buy cribs that can be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They can be an ideal choice for parents who don't need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows their current one.
Style
If you are in the market for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select an option that fits the overall theme of your home, regardless of whether it's modern or rustic. There are many crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in many unique designs and shapes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. At first, they were cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like solid construction, the proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.
You'll also find cribs that combine with a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. It's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb, as it could 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 position is suitable for babies. The lower position is best used when your baby can sit up or lie down in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The crib's mattress can be set on a single-piece board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect, and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame as it is more stable than wood slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent excessive air from moving around the mattress. This could cause an hazard of suffocation to infants.
If you're looking to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then think about a crib that converts 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 an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose 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 conformity to ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib frame for any defects in the paint or wood which could pose a threat for your baby.
If you're planning to buy a mattress for your child's crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation, which is a leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be risky, since your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
Some reports of nonfatal incidents which include 21 reported deaths reported in the NPR and two other fatalities reported during the NPR update, involve a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or footboard, which create entrapment risks; infants rolling on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that they claim will help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is thought to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
The addition of a baby to your family usually results in an increase in the number of items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
It is essential to choose the best mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they have a comfortable sleep. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in different sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government.
You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the process goes smoothly 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 bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can help make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by offering them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is a great method to prolong the life of your investment and provide an additional bed for your child through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in a variety of designs to match furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.