Nine Things That Your Parent Teach You About Cribs Beds

Choosing cribs beds (recent Agroup 23 blog post) For Your Baby

Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.

There are many types of cribs, all with different dimensions and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed made for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs, however all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels so they can be moved around the house. Most are designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a cozy and supportive environment similar to that of the womb.

Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others may be ready to change them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It can be used by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or they can be removed.

There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is too large for it. These are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can give parents the intimacy that some infants need in their early months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would like.

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

Cribs are available in various designs and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. If you are planning to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can nurse your baby inside the crib. If, however, you are short on space and have a limited budget you can find cribs that have only the bare essentials.

If you have more money there are cribs that can be adapted to grow with your child into toddler beds, and even daybeds and sofas. These cribs are referred to as 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great crib option for parents who don't want to purchase a new one every time their child grows out of the old crib.

Style

When you're looking for a crib, think about the design of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in an inclination like modern or rustic, you may want to pick a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or bright finishes, and in many unique shapes and styles.

Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rolled. As the understanding of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, as well as non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's safety and well-being.

For convenience, you can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. However, it's not recommended to use this kind of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or lie down in the Mini Cot Bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.

The mattress can be placed on a single-piece wooden board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a metal spring base, as this is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats which can be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose 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 converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and then eventually a full size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib to an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.

Safety

It is essential to select cribs that comply with strict safety standards, no matter the style or design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. In addition, inspect the crib's frame for defects in the paint or the wood which could pose a threat for your baby.

If you are planning to purchase a new mattress for your baby's crib opt for the most sturdy one you can find. This will reduce the risk of accidental death due to inhalation. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that is either too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they may become trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the crib's sides.

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

Certain manufacturers are now selling "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. There is no evidence from an epidemiological study that breathable crib mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

When you add an infant to your family, you'll likely need to purchase a lot of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which convert into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of 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 essential to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an enjoyable sleeping. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that come in different sizes to meet your requirements. Select a mattress that is at minimum 2 3/8 inches in thickness or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government.

You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion, or a toddler bed when your child is ready for a bigger bed. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit are installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes when you have two people.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Getting your child involved 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 converts to a full size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. Conversion kits are available in a variety of styles to match other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses, including twin and full size.