The Biggest Issue With Cribs Beds And How To Fix It

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is a vital part of your baby’s life. A crib allows them to develop the habit of sleeping independently, and it keeps both of you safe during the night.

There are many types of cribs, all with varying dimensions styles, designs, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are secure, simple to use, and in line with the latest design trends.

Size

A crib is a tiny bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are many types of cribs, however they are all smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide a safe place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is similar to that of the mother's womb.

Some parents prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, but others may be ready to switch to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It is suitable by your child from birth up until they are 18 months old, or can be taken away.

Bassinets can be used for babies from birth until four months, or until they are big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, yet they offer the comfort and closeness to parents that some infants need during their first few months. They also are more portable, making them an attractive alternative if you're not sure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.

To ensure the safety of your child the bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines. There should be no gap greater than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and slats shouldn't be missing or loose. Additionally, 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 risk of suffocation.

You can purchase cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelves or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs can be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. If you're short of space or have a limited budget you can still find cribs that include the essentials.

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

Style

When you are looking for a crib, think about the style of the crib in relation to your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the general style of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of shapes and styles, with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs are safe sleeping places for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As awareness of child safety increased and the need for a stationary crib became standard, and designs were adapted to ensure better protection against falling or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features like sturdy construction, appropriate spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety and wellbeing.

There are cribs that incorporate a changing table or shelving unit to make it easier for parents during the newborn stage. This kind crib is not suitable for infants who are not yet ready to climb or stand. It could make it easier to get out.

Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower position should be used prior to when your baby begins to roll or sit up in bed, which typically happens by the time they reach the age of a year.

The mattress can be placed on a single piece of board or grid of wood-slats, or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend a steel spring frame because it is more durable than wooden slats that can be loosened or broken over time. The base should be firm and securely attached to the crib so that it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib for as long as possible then think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be converted into a toddler's bed, a daybed and eventually a full size bed. These cribs usually have rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also often come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

No matter what style or design you choose it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict 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 determine whether there are any wood or paint defects that could pose danger for your baby.

If you're planning to purchase a new crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find.  cot sets  will help 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 can be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the crib sides or headboard.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents, including 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, relate to a crib mattress that was too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, like gaps between the mattress and the side or between the footboard and head, that can cause trapping. Infants can also roll onto the mattress or get wedged between it and the wall or headboard.

Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and stop breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However there is no evidence from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.

Conversion

If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely have to purchase lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing to toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for a variety of brands of cribs and typically come with a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified which means they emit low emissions of chemicals, which makes for an environment that is healthier.

It is essential to choose the best mattress for your child's crib whether it's an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have an uncomfortably sleeping. You can pick between foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to meet your requirements. To ensure safety, select the mattress made of foam that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring mattress that satisfies the safety standards of the federal government for cribs and toddler beds.

If your child is ready to transition from the crib, you'll have to buy a toddler bed or full-size bed conversion kit. Ideally, you should have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and your child is at ease with the new transition. Once your mattress and crib conversion kit is installed, converting the crib into a toddler or full-size bed should take less than 30 minutes for two people.

A few things can make the transition to a toddler bed more comfortable for your child, including keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same space as their crib. Offering your child a selection of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular time can help them to adjust.

A crib that converts to an adult-sized bed is an excellent way to prolong the time-to-value of your investment. It also gives you an extra bed for your child. The conversion kits for these cribs are available in different designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, such as twin and full size.