13 Things About Cribs Beds You May Not Know

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby Sleep is an essential part of your baby's life. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night. There are many types of cribs, all with different dimensions, styles, and mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs which are safe, easy to use, and in line with the latest design trends. Size A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, but they are all smaller than a toddler's mattress and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your child. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is like the baby's womb. Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can climb out. Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they become too large. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in the early months. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child. Both bassinets and cribs are required to adhere to safety guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of your child. For instance, there should be no gaps larger than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats should not be loose or missing. The bed should not have any cutouts on the footboard or headboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the risk of suffocation. Cribs are available 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 breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a the funds to purchase a crib you can find cribs that only have the essentials. If you have a bit more money to spend there are cribs that can be adapted to develop with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they can be a great choice for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the crib they have previously used. Style When you're looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the design 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, whether it's contemporary or rustic. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with many unique shapes and styles. Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety increased and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing. You'll also find cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit for convenience during the infant stage. This kind crib is not recommended for babies who are able to climb or stand. It can make it easier to get out. Some cribs offer adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens at the age of one year. The mattress can be set on a single-piece board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains, recommend a metal spring frame since it's more sturdy than wooden slats that can break or become loose over time. The base should be tight and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. This could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. If you intend to keep your baby in the crib as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature removable rails to allow the transition from a regular bed easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights. Safety It is important to choose cribs that comply with strict safety standards, regardless of the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib or in its description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for flaws in the paint or the wood that could pose a danger to your baby. If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Make sure the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small could be risky, since your baby could get caught between the mattress and headboard or the sides of the crib. There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified by the NPR and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side, or head and footboard that create entrapment risks and infants slipping on or being trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are overheated and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues. Some manufacturers are now marketing “breathable” crib mattresses, which they claim will ensure a safe sleep and will prevent breathing or rebreathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. Full Statement is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses reduce the risk for SIDS. Conversion If you are adding an infant to your family, you'll likely have to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to nursery furniture. Making the investment in cribs that transform into toddler beds or full-size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits can be bought for a variety of cots and include a footboard and headboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in an environment that is healthier. No matter if you choose a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can choose from foam mattresses, innerspring and gel in different sizes to suit your needs. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs. You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. It is recommended that you have it installed before your child turns two years old to ensure the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the new transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed. A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, such as keeping the bedroom decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can help them adjust. A crib that is able to convert to 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. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in a variety of designs to complement your other furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.