How Do You Explain Cribs Beds To A Five-Year-Old
Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib can help your baby develop the habit of sleeping on their own, and ensure your safety during the night. There are a myriad of cribs with different dimensions, styles, and mattress support heights. We looked for cribs that are safe, simple to use, and compatible with modern aesthetics. Size A crib is a small bed designed for infants and toddlers. There are many different types of cribs, but they all are smaller than a toddler's bed and provide a safe sleeping place for your infant. Some cribs have wheels, which allows them to be moved around the home. They are generally designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a cozy and safe environment that is like the womb. Some parents will want to keep their baby in the crib as long as they can, while others might be ready move them to a toddler's bed sooner. The most popular type of crib is a standard crib that can be used from birth until the time your child is 18 months old older or has the capacity of climbing out. There are also Baby beds , which can be used from birth to four months, or until the baby is large for it. These are smaller and less bulky than cribs, but can offer the comfort and closeness to parents that infants require in their early months. They also are more portable and therefore a great alternative if you're not sure of what kind of bedding you'd like for your child. Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines to follow for the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap greater than two fingers between the crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. Additionally the bed should not have cutouts on the footboard or headboard, as these can hold a child's head and legs and increase the risk of death by suffocation. You can purchase cribs in a variety of styles and finishes. Some come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you intend to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can nurse your baby in the crib. If you're limited in space and have a an extremely limited budget you can find cribs that have only the bare essentials. If you are willing to spend a little extra it is possible to purchase cribs that can be transformed into toddler beds, daybeds or sofas. These are typically referred to as 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal choice for parents who do not need to buy an entirely new crib each time their child outgrows the crib they have. Style As you look for a crib, take into consideration its style and design in relation to the design of your baby's nursery. You may want to select one that is in line with the general theme of your home, whether it's modern or rustic. There are many crib options with natural wood or vibrant finishes, and in a wide variety of unique shapes and styles. Cribs are safe sleeping places for infants. At first, they were just cribs that could be rolled. As understanding of child safety increased, stationary cribs became the norm, and the designs changed to ensure better protection against accidents or entrapment. Modern cribs have features like solid construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials, all of which are geared towards your baby's safety as well as his wellbeing. For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have a changing table and shelving unit. It's not recommended that you use this type of crib when your baby is ready to stand or climb because it can make it easier for them to get out. Some cribs come with adjustable mattress support heights, meaning you can lower it as your baby grows. The higher setting is great for newborns, and the lower setting should be used before your baby is able to sit up or roll in bed, which typically happens by the time they are a year old. The crib's mattress can be positioned on a single piece of board, a grid of wood slats or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend using a metal spring base, since it is believed to be more sturdy 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 excess air to circulate around the mattress, creating a possibility of suffocation in infants. If you are planning to keep your baby in the crib as long as you can, consider a 4-in-1 bed that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually a full size bed. They usually have removable rails to facilitate the transition from an adult bed much easier and often come with adjustable mattress heights. Safety It's important to choose cribs that meet strict safety standards, no matter the style and design you choose. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and compliance with ASTM International Standards. Check for these certifications on the crib's packaging, or in its description. Also, examine the crib's frame to see if there are any wood or paint imperfections that could pose a risk for your baby. If you're planning to purchase an additional mattress for your baby's crib choose the most firm one you can find. This will help reduce the risk of accidental suffocation which is the leading cause of sudden infant death syndrome. Also, ensure that the mattress is firmly seated in the crib. A mattress that's too large or too small could be dangerous, as your baby could be trapped between the mattress and the headboard or sides of the crib. There are reports of accidents that are not fatal that include 21 deaths identified in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, involve the crib mattress being too soft. These incidents can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib side or footboard, which create entrapment risks and infants slipping onto or becoming wedged between the mattress and the headboard or wall pillows and blankets that pose suffocation risks; and mattresses that are too hot, causing infants to suffer burns, rashes and other health issues. Certain manufacturers are now advertising “breathable” crib mattresses, which they claim will promote safe sleep, and prevent rebreathing or breathing in your baby's carbon dioxide. This is believed to contribute to SIDS. However, there is no epidemiological evidence that breathable mattresses lower the risk of SIDS. Conversion When you add a new baby to your family, you will likely need to buy many 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 to childhood easier for both your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for various kinds of cribs, and generally include a headboard and a footboard. Some models are also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they have very low chemical emissions, resulting in a healthier indoor environment. It is important to choose the right mattress for your child's crib whether it be a convertible crib or standard crib. This will ensure that they have a comfortable sleeping. Choose between foam or innerspring mattresses that are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. Select a mattress that is at least 2 3/8 inches thick, or an innerspring bed that is in compliance with the safety standards of the federal government. You'll need to purchase a full-size bed conversion or toddler bed when your child is ready to move on to larger beds. You should do this before your child turns two to ensure the smooth transition and ensure that your child is at ease. Once your crib and mattress conversion kit is in place, the process of converting the crib into a toddler bed or full-size bed is not more than 30 minutes when you have two people. It is possible to make the transition from a crib to a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor the same and moving the bed into the room where the crib is located. Getting your child involved in the transition process by giving them a choice of favorite toys or stuffed animals to sleep with and encouraging them to go to bed on a regular basis can also help them adjust to the new sleeping arrangement. A crib that converts to a full-size bed is an excellent way to extend the life of your investment. It also offers a bed for your teenager. Conversion kits are available in many designs to match furniture and are compatible with a wide range of mattresses such as twin or full size.