A Provocative Rant About Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential aspect of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby to develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and keep you and your baby safe in the evening.
There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and suitable for modern designs.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are many different types of cribs, however they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the house. They are generally designed to reduce SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is like the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, but others might be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. It is suitable for your child's first year until they reach 18 months old, or be removed.
Bassinets can be used for babies from birth to four months, or until they become too big. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that some infants need in the early years. They also are smaller and therefore a great option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would like.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. For instance, there should be no gaps greater than two fingers between the mattress and the crib frame and the slats must not be missing or loose. In addition, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the headboard or footboard, since they can restrict a child's head or legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
You can buy cribs with a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. They are particularly useful when you are planning to breastfeed, as it will enable you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that just feature the bare essentials.
If you're willing to invest a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into daybeds for toddlers, toddlers or sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal choice for parents who don't want to invest in an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. You might want to choose one that is in line with the overall theme of your home, whether rustic or contemporary. There are a variety of cribs available in natural wood or bright finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles.
Cribs are a safe place to sleep for infants. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary, designs changed to provide greater protection against falls and entrapment. Modern cribs have features such as sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and well-being.
For convenience You can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. This type crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your child can sit up or lie down in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, since it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate around the mattress, a possibility of suffocation in infants.
If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, think about a 4-in-1 crib which can be used as a toddler's bed, daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They usually have rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier and, in most cases, they come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications can be found on the packaging of the crib or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to see whether there are any paint or wood imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you're looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of death by accident due to the suffocation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly into the crib. A mattress that is too big or too small could be dangerous, as your baby may get trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
Certain reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified in the NPR and two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on a crib bed that is too soft. best cot beds are characterized by a variety of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or the footboard and head that create entrapment risks and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the wall or headboard; pillows and blankets posing dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.
Certain manufacturers are now advertising "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely have to purchase many new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full-size beds could help you save money on furniture purchases and help make the transition from infant to childhood easier for your child and the family. affordable cots are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
If you decide to go with convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is important to buy the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring bed that is compliant with the safety standards of the federal government.
When your child is ready to move on from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure an easy transition and to ensure that your child is comfortable. After your crib mattress and conversion kit are in place, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes with two people.
A few things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child, including keeping the bedding and bedroom decor uniform and moving the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that can be converted to an adult-sized bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment. It also gives you a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many styles to complement other furniture and are compatible with a wide variety of mattresses including twin or full size.