13 Things About Cribs Beds You May Never Have Known
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib will help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own and ensure your safety at night.
There are many types of cribs, each with varying sizes styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure and easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels that allow them to be moved from room to room and the majority are designed to lower the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment similar to the womb.
Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready change to a toddler's bed sooner. The most common crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or be taken away.
There are bassinets too, which can be used from newborn to four months or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that provide the intimacy and comfort that parents of infants require in their early months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about the kind of bedding you would like for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines that must be adhered to to ensure the safety of your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and slats shouldn't be sagging or missing. cheap cot beds should not have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this could entrap the child's legs or head and increase the chance of the child to suffocate.
cheap cot bed can buy cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be extremely convenient since you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs with the basic necessities.
If you have a little more money to spend there are cribs that will develop with your child into toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who do not need to buy an entirely new crib each when their child grows out of the current one.
Style
When you are looking for the perfect crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by an inclination, such as modern or rustic, you may want to select one that matches the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or colored finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping spaces for babies. They were initially simple cribs that could be rolled. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer more protection from falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like solid construction, appropriate spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and well-being.
There are cribs that incorporate with a changing table or shelving unit for ease during the newborn stage. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib when your baby 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 infants. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll in the bed. This is usually at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal since it is believed to be more sturdy than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be sturdy and securely attached to the crib so it doesn't allow air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, look into a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib an ordinary mattress much easier. They also have adjustable mattress levels.
cheap cot bed
Whatever style or design you choose, it's essential to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, check the crib's frame to determine whether there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you are planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's bed, go for the firmest one you can find. This will reduce the chance of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Be sure that the mattress fits comfortably into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could pose dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of dangers, such as gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or head and footboard that can cause entrapment dangers; infants rolling into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattress, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing into your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family usually results in an influx of new things, from clothes and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from infant to adolescence easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits can be purchased for various brands of cots. They also come with a footboard and headboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
If you decide to go with a convertible crib or a standard crib, it is crucial to choose the right mattress so that your child gets a good night's sleep. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses 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 is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed once your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes for two people.
A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more relaxing for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor consistent and moving the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Engaging your child in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can help them adapt to the new arrangement of sleeping.
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 a bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits available for these cribs come in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on various kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.