How To Explain Cribs Beds To A Five-Year-Old
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby
Sleep is an essential part of the baby's life. A crib allows them to establish the habit of sleeping independently, and it also keeps you and your baby safe at night.
There are a variety of cribs, each with varying sizes, styles, and mattress-support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, easy to use and compatible with modern aesthetics.
Size
A crib is a compact bed made for babies and infants. There are several different types of cribs available, but they are all smaller than a toddler bed and offer an ideal place for your child to sleep. Some cribs come with wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfy and safe environment that is like the mother's womb.
Some parents would prefer to keep their child in the crib as long as they can, whereas others may be ready to move to a toddler's crib sooner. The most popular crib is the standard crib. It can be used for your child from birth until they reach 18 months old, or can be taken away.
There are also bassinets which are suitable from the time of birth to four months or until the baby is large for it. They are smaller cribs, which are more compact, that can offer the closeness and comfort to parents some infants require during their early years. They also are more portable which makes them a desirable option if you're unsure about the kind of bedding you will prefer for your child.
Both bassinets and cribs have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. There should not be a gap of more than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats must not be missing or loose. Additionally, the bed should not have cutouts in the headboard or footboard, as these can trap 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 have integrated shelves 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 not a lot of space and have a limited budget there are cribs that have only the basic necessities.
If you are willing to invest a little more it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into daybeds, toddler beds or sofas. These cribs are called 4-in-1 cribs, and they are a great option for parents who don't want to buy a new one every time their child outgrows the old one.
Style
When choosing a crib, consider its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. If the design of your home is influenced by one particular direction, such as modern or rustic then you might want to choose the crib that is in line with the overall theme. There are numerous crib options in natural wood or colorful finishes, and in a wide variety of unique designs and shapes.
Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. At first, they were just cradles that could be rocked. As the knowledge of child safety evolved and cribs became stationary design, the cribs were redesigned to provide better protection against falls or entrapment. Today's cribs are equipped with features such as sturdy construction, a proper spacing of slats and non-toxic materials, all prioritizing your baby's safety and wellbeing.
There are cribs that include shelves or a changing table unit for ease during the newborn stage. However, it's not recommended to use this type of crib if your child is ready to stand up or climb because it can make it easier for them to escape.
Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support levels, so you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher position is suitable for babies. The lower position is best used when your child can sit up or roll in bed. This usually happens at the age of one year.
The mattress can be put on a single-piece wooden board, wood-slat grid, or spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using springs made of metal, because it is considered to be more durable than wooden slats, which could be prone to breaking or becoming loose over time. The base must be secure and firm to prevent excess air from circulating around the mattress. cot beds for sale could cause a suffocation hazard for infants.
If you plan to keep your baby in the crib as long as possible then look into a 4-in-1 bed that can be converted into a toddler's bed, daybed and eventually a full size bed. They usually come with removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also typically have adjustable mattress levels.
Safety
No matter what style or design you select it's crucial to look for cribs that meet strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. Look for these certifications on the crib's packaging or description. In addition, examine the crib's frame for defects in the wood or paint that could pose a danger for your baby.
If you're planning to buy an infant's mattress for their crib, pick the most solid mattress you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death due to inhalation. Make sure the mattress fits snugly within the crib. A mattress that is either too big or too small could be hazardous for your baby because they could get trapped between the mattress's sides and the headboard or crib sides.
There are reports of non-fatal incidents which include 21 reported fatalities identified in the NPR and two additional reported fatalities received during the NPR update, are based on the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents involve a variety of dangers, including gaps between the crib mattress and the side, or between the footboard and the head, that can cause the entrapment of. Infants can also fall onto the mattress or become trapped between it and the headboard or the wall.
Some manufacturers now offer "breathable" crib mattresses, which they claim promote safe sleep and prevent breathing in baby's own carbon dioxide, thought to be a contributing factor to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS.
Conversion
If you are adding a new baby to your family, you'll likely need to buy lots of new items. This includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture for the nursery. Making the investment in cribs that convert into toddler beds or full size beds can save you money on furniture and make the transition into the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various models of cribs and usually include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Certified Gold, which means that they emit low levels of chemicals to ensure a cleaner indoor environment.
It is important to choose the correct mattress for your child's crib whether it be an adjustable crib or a standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleep. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. To ensure safety, select an innerspring mattress that is at least 2 and 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government for toddler beds and cribs.
When your child is ready to transition from the crib, you will require an adult bed or a full-size bed conversion kit. It is recommended that you have it in place before your child turns two to ensure the transition goes smoothly and your child is comfortable with the transition. Once you have your crib mattress and kit in place, it will take less than 30 minutes to convert the crib into an adult-sized bed or a toddler bed.
Certain things can make the transition to the toddler bed more enjoyable for your child. These include keeping the decor and bedding constant and putting the toddler bed into the same room as their crib. Giving your child a choice of toys, stuffed animals or other to sleep with, and urging them to go to bed on a regular basis will help them settle.
Having a crib that can be converted into a full-size bed is an excellent method to prolong the life of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs through their teenage years. Conversion kits are available in various styles to match other furniture and can be used with a wide variety of mattresses such as twin or full size.