Baby Beds - Making the Transition from Crib to Bed

If you've ever spent the night away from home in an unfamiliar bed, you're aware of the initial discomfort and know how it takes a bit of time getting used to a bed other than your own. In addition to that, we also know that some very young children may have difficulty making the transition to a "big boy" or "big girl" bed.

Many parents report that with a convertible crib, that transitional period is a non-issue as the child is essentially already quite used to being in the bed. Toddler beds will also include safety railings that can be removed once your child is a bit older and able to climb in and out of the bed without getting injured.

Safety First For Your Baby's Crib and Bed

Regardless of the style or type of crib you choose for your baby, the very first and most important aspect is safety. Some things to look for in toddler beds are sturdy materials and quality workmanship, and the bed itself should also be low enough to the ground to lessen the risk of injury should your child fall off. Periodically check the joints and the places where the pieces of wood connect to make sure none have loosened or are in danger of breaking.

Always place the bed in the safest place possible, which is away from heaters, windows, lamps, or draperies and blinds. Likewise with full size or standard baby cribs, there are certain criteria that must be met, such as a properly fitted mattress that allows for no more than the width of two fingers between the mattress and the side of the crib to make sure baby won't be able to become trapped. The slats or posts of a crib's railing should be no more than 2-3/8" apart from one another, and remember to routinely check to see that none are loose or ready to break.

Baby cribs should also have end posts or railings that extend no higher than 1/16 of an inch above the end panels of the crib to eliminate the risk of an accidental strangling by baby's clothing becoming stuck on the posts. Check to see that the crib you're using has no splintered wood or rough edges, and no peeling or cracked paint.

And, while you may have the urge to bundle baby up and include plenty of blankets and soft things to make them as comfortable as possible, doing so is extremely dangerous. All pillows, blankets, quilts, or stuffed animals and the like should be removed from the crib before baby is laid down to sleep even if it's just for a short nap.

For the youngest of infants, consider the centuries old practice of swaddling, wrapping baby securely in a thin blanket, or dress baby in a sleeper, or sleep sack instead of ever needing to use a blanket.

The Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is an organization that provides certification to more than 2,000 different products that have been tested and found to meet all of the necessary safety qualifications and standards. If you are interested in purchasing a product that has met their particular standards for safety, check for the JPMA Certification Seal on the standard cribs, toddler beds, or convertible cribs you purchase. Otherwise, just ensure that the crib you purchase has met all federal safety standards before use.

Also: Choosing a Baby Bed