Getting the Right Baby Bed

December 25, 2009 by Cassie Steele  
Filed under Baby

More important than that of adults are the sleeping arrangement for babies. Studies have shown that a 1month old baby will sleep around fifteen and sixteen hours each day and by the time the baby is a year old, they still require almost fourteen hours. It is very important, therefore, to ensure you obtain the right baby bed.

Safety is the first factor that you should consider prior to getting a baby bed. In choosing a baby bed, it is essential for you to know that there are some set standards that cribs and baby beds should comply with to ensure the safety of your baby. As the parent, you should choose the right crib that meets these standards to keep your baby safe. Be very careful in choosing the right crib if you will be purchasing an old or used one. The reason for this is that they might be unable to meet the current standards as they are always changing. The National Safety Council website is a great resource for learning more about these standards and regulations.

Another important point to consider is the mattress. It should be firm and fit snugly inside the crib. Spaces between the crib railings and the mattress can trap fingers of children and therefore it’s essential that the mattress fits really well, all the way around. The most common accident statistic in infants is the simple fall, often from a crib or bed. Always make sure that the crib has an effective safety rail which goes all the way around the bed. Some accidents have occurred when the child gets its head stuck between a wall and the bed and can even prove fatal if they are not discovered right away.

Contrary to some beliefs that soft mattresses are much better compared to the firm ones, mattresses that are too soft are also not good as they are speculated to be the cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Accessories and mobiles are additional things to consider. Although they are used to stimulate your baby, it is also essential for you to be careful about their sizes as they might be swallowed by your baby. You also have to make sure that there is the right distance from the baby’s hand to where the accessories are hung as they may fall and hurt the baby and might even cause your baby to choke.

Third, you have to consider the crib type that you will be buying. You will find some cribs that will allow you to slide the rails up and down so you can easily attend to your baby. You also have to take note of additional options for the crib such as storage. You will find some cribs that have drawers underneath them that should have locks.

The last thing to consider is the price and the style. Even if the baby bed is expensive, you will find it very beneficial if it’s good quality, as it will last for a very long time as long as you take care of it properly and your baby will spend a significant amount of time there until he or she grows up.

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