How To Resolve Issues With Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the life of your baby. A crib helps them learn to sleep independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with different sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, however they are all smaller than a toddler's bed, and provide a safe and secure sleeping space for your infant. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the house. Most are designed to decrease SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is similar to the womb.
Some parents prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready move to a toddler's crib sooner. The most commonly used crib is the standard crib. Baby Crib can be used for your child's first year up until they are 18 months old, or be removed.
There are also bassinets that are suitable from the time of birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort that parents of infants require in their early months. They are also more compact which makes them a good alternative if you're not sure which bedding type your child will prefer.
To ensure your child's safety the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. 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 shouldn't have any cutouts on the headboard or footboard as this can trap the child's head or legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
Cribs are available in different styles and finishes, and some even have integrated changing tables or shelving units. These are especially useful when you are planning to breastfeed in the future, since it allows you to breastfeed your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that have the basic necessities.
If you are willing to pay a little more you can purchase cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who don't need to buy another crib every time their child outgrows the current one.
Style
When you are looking for a crib, consider its style in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by one particular direction like modern or rustic it is possible to select a crib that fits with the overall theme. There are numerous cribs to choose from in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long-standing tradition of providing safe sleeping spaces for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety grew and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs shifted to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. The cribs of today come with features such as sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They prioritize your baby's well-being and safety.
There are cribs that combine shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the infant stage. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are ready to stand or climb. It could make it easier to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby can sit up or roll over in bed. This usually happens around the age of a year.
The crib's mattress can be positioned on a one-piece board, a wood-slat grid or spring-wire frames. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing springs made of metal, because it is believed to be more stable than wooden slats which can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you're planning to keep your baby in a crib for as long as possible, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant bed, a daybed and eventually a full-size bed. These cribs generally feature rails that can be removed to facilitate the transition to an adult bed much easier, and they often have adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Whatever design or style you pick, it's essential to look for cribs that comply with stringent safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to see whether there are any paint or wood flaws that could be dangerous for your baby.
If you are looking to purchase an infant's mattress for their crib, select the most firm mattress you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental suffocation, which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib. A mattress that's too big or too small can be risky, since your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib.
Some reports of nonfatal accidents which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can involve a range of hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard which can lead to trapping. Infants may also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers now market "breathable" crib mattresses that claim to promote the safety of sleep and stop breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses decrease the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
Adding a baby to your family typically leads to an influx of new things 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 can be purchased for many brands of cots, and come with an adjustable headboard and footboard. Certain models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.
No matter if you choose convertible cribs or a standard crib it is crucial to choose the correct mattress to ensure your child is comfortable night's rest. Choose from foam or innerspring mattresses that come in various sizes to meet your needs. For safety, choose the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
You will need to buy a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is old enough to be in a bigger bed. You should do this before your child turns 2 to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child feels comfortable. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to change the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same, and putting the bed into the room where the crib is. Give your child a variety of toys and stuffed animals to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep on a regular time can help them adjust.
A crib that converts to a full-size bed is a great way to extend the life of your investment. It also provides an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different styles to match your other furniture pieces and can be used on many different types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.