5 Killer Quora Questions On Cribs Beds
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a crucial 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 at night.
There are many different types of cribs, all with different sizes and styles, as well as mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe and simple to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a bed that is made for infants and babies. There are a variety of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed, and offer a safe place to sleep for your baby. Some cribs come with wheels so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and supportive environment like the baby's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib for as long as they can, while others might be ready to move to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until your child is about 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they are large. They are smaller and smaller than cribs, yet they provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also are smaller and therefore a great option if you're not sure what type of bedding your child would like.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There should be no gap larger than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress and the slats should not be sagging or missing. Additionally the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the headboard or footboard since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Cribs can be purchased in different styles and finishes, and some come with changing tables or shelving units. These can be particularly convenient when you are planning to breastfeed and allowing you to breastfeed your baby while in the crib. If you're short on space or have a small budget, you can still find cribs that include the basic necessities.
If you have a bit more money, you can find cribs that can expand with your child to toddler beds and even sofas and daybeds. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs and can be an ideal option for parents who do not wish to purchase another crib every time their child outgrows their crib they currently have.
Style
When choosing the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the decor of your baby's nursery. If the style of your home is influenced by a particular direction like modern or rustic then you might want to select the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available in various shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.
Cribs have a long history of providing safe sleeping environments for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety grew and cribs became more stationary and more secure, crib designs evolved to offer better protection against falls or entrapment. The cribs of today are made with features like sturdy construction, the correct spacing of slats and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.
For convenience, you can also find cribs that have shelves and a changing table unit. This kind crib is not suitable for babies who are able to stand or climb. It can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs offer adjustable heights for mattress support so that you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for newborns. The lower position is recommended when your baby is able to sit up or roll over in the bed. This typically happens around the age of a year.
The mattress can be set on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend choosing a metal spring base, as this is considered to be more durable than wood slats that can break or become loose over the course of time. The base should be firm and tightly fitted to the crib, so that it doesn't allow air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possible risk of suffocation for infants.
If you're planning on keeping your baby in a crib as long as you can, then consider a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into a daybed, toddler bed and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails to make the transition from the regular bed more straightforward and often come with adjustable mattress heights.
Safety
Regardless of the design or style you pick it's crucial to look for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States, this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and compliance with ASTM International standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, check the crib's frame to see if there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.
If you plan to buy an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will lower the chance of accidental death due to inhalation. Make sure tots and cots fits comfortably inside the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small can be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or the sides of the crib.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths identified by the NPR, and two additional reported deaths received during the NPR Update, involve 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 footboard, which can cause entrapment dangers as well as infants who roll into or getting trapped between the mattress and the headboard or wall; pillows and blankets posing risk of suffocation; mattresses that are too hot and cause infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattress that claim to help your baby sleep more safely and prevent rebreathing or breathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses reduce the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
A baby joining your family typically leads to an influx of new things including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. The purchase of cribs that convert to toddler beds or full-size beds can aid in saving money on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adulthood easier for your child as well as your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of models of cribs and usually include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, meaning that they emit low levels of chemical for a healthier indoor atmosphere.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child gets a good night's rest. Choose between foam, innerspring, or gel mattresses that come in different sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets 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 ready to move on to an additional bed. This should be done before your child turns 2 to ensure a smooth transition and that your child is comfortable. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib to a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for two people.
It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed at a regular schedule can help them adjust.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide a bed for your child throughout their teens. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and can be used with a variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.