11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Cribs Beds

Choosing Cribs Beds For Your Baby

Sleep is an important element of your baby's development. A crib helps them establish the habit of sleeping independently, and also keeps you both safe during the night.

There are many different types of cribs, each with different dimensions styles, designs, 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 that is designed for babies and infants. There are many types of cribs available, but all are smaller than a toddler bed and provide an appropriate place for your child to sleep. Some cribs have wheels, so they can be moved around the home. Most are designed to lower SIDS risk by providing a comfortable and safe environment that is similar to the baby's womb.

Some parents will want 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 common type of crib is a standard crib, that is suitable from birth until your child is around 18 months older or is capable of climbing out.

Bassinets can be used for infants from birth to four months, or until they become too big. They are smaller and more compact than cribs, but they can provide the closeness to parents that infants require during their first few months. They also come in smaller sizes and therefore a great option if you're not sure what kind of bedding your child would prefer.

Both cribs and bassinets have safety guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety of your child. There shouldn't be a gap of more than two fingers between a crib's frame and mattress, and the slats should not be loose or absent. In addition, the bed should not be fitted with cutouts in the footboard or headboard, since they can trap a child's head or legs and increase the risk of being suffocated.

You can purchase cribs in a variety of designs and colors. Some even come with integrated shelving units or changing tables. If you plan to breastfeed, these cribs could be very convenient as you can feed your baby in the crib. However, if you are short on space and have an extremely limited budget there are cribs that just feature the essentials.

If you have more money there are cribs that will grow with your child into toddler beds, or even daybeds and sofas. These are often called 4-in-1 cribs. They are an ideal option for parents who don't want to invest in a new crib every time their child outgrows their crib they have.

Style

When you are looking for a crib, take into consideration the style of the crib in relation to the style of the nursery. It is possible to pick an option that fits the general style of your home, whether modern or rustic. There are numerous cribs to choose from in a variety of designs and shapes, with natural wood or color finishes.

Cribs are safe places to sleep for babies. Initially, they were simple cribs that could be rocked. As understanding of child safety grew, stationary cribs became the standard, and designs were adapted to provide better protection against falling or entrapment. The cribs of today are built with features like sturdy construction, the right spacing of slats, and non-toxic materials. They are designed to ensure your baby's well-being and safety.

For ease of use, you can also find cribs that have an adjustable table and shelving unit. It's not recommended that you use this kind of crib until your baby is ready to stand up or climb because 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 position is ideal for infants, while the lower one is recommended before your baby learns to sit or roll in bed, which usually occurs by the time they reach the age of a year.

The mattress of a crib can be perched on a single piece of board, a wood-slat grid or a spring-wire frame. Both What to Expect and Baby Bargains recommend springs made of metal, as this is believed to be more stable 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 it doesn't allow excess air to circulate over the mattress, which could pose a possibility of suffocation in infants.

If you intend to keep your baby in the crib for as long as is possible, think about a 4-in-1 crib that can be transformed into an infant's bed, a daybed, and eventually, a full-size bed. They typically have removable rails that make the transition from a crib a regular mattress easier. They also typically come with adjustable levels for the mattress.

Safety

No matter what style or design you choose regardless of the style or design you choose, it's important to search for cribs that are in compliance with strict safety standards. In the United States this includes certifications from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and conformity with ASTM International Standards. These certifications are available on the packaging of the crib 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 are planning to purchase an additional crib mattress for your baby's crib, go for the firmest one you can find. This will decrease the risk of accidental death from suffocation. Also, ensure that the mattress fits comfortably in the crib. A mattress that is too large or too small could be dangerous for your baby, as they could be trapped between the mattress' sides and the headboard or the sides of the crib.

Certain reports of nonfatal accidents that include 21 deaths reported in the NPR, and two deaths that were reported during the NPR Update, are based on crib beds that are too soft.  small cot beds  can lead to a range of hazards, including gaps between the mattress and the crib's side or the footboard and head that can cause entrapment dangers and infants slipping into or getting trapped between the mattress and the wall or headboard pillows and blankets, which pose dangers of suffocation; and mattresses that are overheated which causes infants to be afflicted with burns, rashes and other health issues.

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

Conversion

The addition of a baby to your family can result in an influx of new items including toys and clothes to furniture for the nursery. Investing in cribs which can be converted into toddler beds or full size beds can help you save money on furniture and make the transition to the next stage of life easier for your child and your family. These conversion kits are available for many brands of cribs and typically include a headboard and footboard. Some models are GREENGUARD Gold Certified that means they have low emissions of chemicals, which makes for a healthier indoor environment.

It is crucial to select the best mattress for your child's crib, whether it's a convertible crib or a standard crib. This will ensure they get an uncomfortably sleeping. You can choose from foam mattress, innerspring or gel in various sizes to suit your needs. Choose a foam mattress at least 2 3/8 inches thick or an innerspring mattress that meets the safety standards of the federal government.

You will have to purchase a full-size bed conversion or a toddler bed when your child is ready for larger beds. You should do this before your child turns two 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 into a toddler or full-size bed will take no more than 30 minutes when you have two people.

It is possible to make the transition from a crib a toddler-sized bed more enjoyable by keeping the bedding and decor same and moving the bed into the room in which the crib is. Offering your child a selection of stuffed animals or other toys to sleep with, and encouraging them to sleep at a regular schedule can help them to adjust.

A crib that is able to be converted into a full-size bed is a great way to extend the lifespan of your investment, and provide the bed your child needs throughout their teens. The conversion kits for these cribs come in various designs to complement your furniture pieces and can be fitted on many different kinds of mattresses, including twin and full size.