The Biggest Problem With Cribs Beds And How You Can Solve It

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is a vital part of the life of your baby. A crib can aid your baby in developing the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety in the evening.
There are many cribs that come in different dimensions, styles and mattress support heights. We searched for cribs that are safe and simple to use and in line with the latest design trends.
Size
A crib is a tiny bed made for infants and toddlers. There are several different types of cribs to choose from, however all are smaller than the standard toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs are equipped with wheels that let them be moved from room to room, and most are designed to minimize the chance of SIDS by providing a safe and comfortable environment that is similar to the birthing womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, whereas others might be ready switch to a toddler's bed sooner. The most commonly used type of crib is a standard crib, which can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of getting out.
Bassinets are suitable for babies from birth to four months or until they become too large. These are smaller, more compact cribs that can provide the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require in the early years. They are also more portable, making them an attractive option if you are unsure about what type of bedding you'd like for your child.
Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed in order to protect your child. There should not be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress and the slats must not be loose or absent. In addition the bed shouldn't have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, since they can hold a child's head and legs and increase the chance of death by suffocation.
You can purchase cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some have integrated shelving units or changing tables. These are especially useful if you plan on breastfeeding in the future, since it allows you to nurse your baby while still in the crib. If you're short of space or have a tight budget, you can still find cribs that have the essentials.
If you're willing spend a little extra, you can buy cribs that are able to be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs. They are a great option for parents who don't want to purchase an entirely new crib each time their child grows out of the crib they have previously used.
Style
As you look for the perfect crib, think about its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is in an inclination, such as modern or rustic it is possible to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are a variety of cribs available with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and with many unique shapes and styles.
Cribs have a long tradition of providing safe sleeping areas for babies. Initially, they were simply cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety evolved and stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to provide better protection from accidents 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 as well as his wellbeing.
There are cribs that combine a changing table or shelving unit for ease in the early stages of infanthood. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand or climb as it can make it easier for them to get out.
Some cribs have adjustable mattress support heights so you can lower the mattress as your baby grows. The higher setting is ideal for babies, and the lower position is recommended before your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which usually happens by the time they turn one year old.
The mattress can be set on a single-piece board or grid of wood slats, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, 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 tightly fitted to the crib so that it does not allow air to circulate around the mattress, a potential suffocation risk for infants.
If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, consider a 4-in-1 bed which can be used as an infant's bed, a daybed and then eventually, a full-size bed. They usually come with rails that are removable, making the transition from a crib to a regular mattress easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, irrespective of the style and design you select. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. Also, look over the crib's frame for imperfections in the paint or the wood that could pose a risk for your baby.
If you are planning to buy 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 most common cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, make sure the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. If the mattress is too large or too small can be hazardous for your baby as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of accidents that are not fatal which include 21 deaths reported in the NPR as well as two deaths reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents include a variety hazards, such as gaps between the crib mattress and the side or between the head and footboard that could cause trapping. Infants could also fall onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the wall or headboard.
Some manufacturers are now marketing "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and will prevent breathing or rebreathing in carbon dioxide from your baby's body. It is believed that this could contribute to SIDS. However, there is best rated cribs from an epidemiological perspective that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
When you welcome the addition of a new child 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 convert into toddler beds or full-size beds can help you save on furniture purchases and make the transition from baby to adolescence 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 footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.
Whether you opt for convertible cribs or a standard crib, it is essential to purchase the correct mattress to ensure your child has a comfortable night's sleep. You can pick from foam, innerspring or gel mattresses in a variety of sizes to meet your requirements. For safety, choose an innerspring mattress that is between 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets federal safety standards for cribs and toddler beds.
If your child is ready to move from the crib, you will have to buy a toddler bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is best to have it in place before your child turns two to ensure that the process is smooth and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your mattress and crib kit, it will take two people less than 30 minutes to transform the crib into a full-size or toddler bed.
You can make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more comfortable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is. Getting your child involved in the transition by giving them a selection of their favorite stuffed animals or toys to sleep with and encouraging them to get into bed at a regular time can also help them adjust to the new bed arrangement.
A crib that is able to convert to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your investment and also provide a bed for your child through their teens. The conversion kits that are available for these cribs come in various designs to complement the furniture pieces you have and can be fitted on various types of mattresses, including twin and full size.