Parenting involves myriad decisions, especially regarding sleep arrangements. When can babies sleep in cribs? Is a transition bed necessary? How does a youth bed suit children? A realm of sleep solutions awaits your little ones.
Baby sleep is a hot topic among mothers. Let's organize where babies actually sleep. While infants may sleep in cribs, strollers, or even on you in the early weeks or months, they also have small cribs (hoping they use them occasionally), which adjust to their body size and needs over time.
So, what's the "bed sequence" stage by stage? Let's explore the various types of beds that will accompany you and your baby over the years:
Cribs
A crib is the smallest and first bed for babies. Some cribs come with wheels (allowing movement between different places in the house), all equipped with a mattress smaller than that of a toddler bed we'll discuss later. Also, fitted sheets, head protectors, and blankets are included. The purpose of the crib is to provide the baby with a sense of security. There are even mini-cribs called "nests," offering even more support and envelopment to mimic the womb. Babies are supposed to stay in cribs for about four months or until they outgrow them, subject to parental discretion.
Co-Sleeper Cribs
This is the same crib as mentioned above but can be attached to your bed, the mother's. By lowering one side and securing it safely, the crib is fixed to the parents' bed, allowing the baby to be soothed without the need to fully settle. This option is particularly convenient for breastfeeding mothers who prefer not to get up too much during the night and prefer to nurse the baby while lying down.
Toddler Beds
This is the next bed in line, used after the crib is no longer in use. The mattress height can be adjusted according to the baby's size, and if you notice that when he stands, he may lean on the bars and fall out. Toddler bed mattress sizes are standard, and you'll also find dedicated linens, head protectors, and suitable blankets.
Transition Beds
Is your baby showing signs of wanting to jump out of his crib? It's probably time to transition to a toddler bed. It's lower than a youth bed and can be fitted with a rail to prevent the baby from rolling onto the floor. However, there's still enough room to crawl out easily. Many mothers swear that once they switched their baby to a transition bed, their nights became worse than usual. Babies discover their independence, climb out of bed, and, of course, refuse to return to it.
It's worth mentioning that using a transition bed is not mandatory. You can transition from a crib directly to a youth bed (which we'll expand on in a moment). It all depends on your budget and the size of the room, as youth beds are larger and more expensive.
Youth Beds
Despite its name, it's suitable for young children whose age difference from adolescence is significant. In fact, you can lay a three-year-old in a youth bed, and it will be perfectly fine. It's slightly higher than a transition bed and longer, and it also comes with a safety rail that can be removed when no longer needed. Under many youth beds, you'll find a large storage box or they can open up into a trundle bed, allowing you to host another little one or throw a pajama party at your place.
Now that we've examined the types of beds that will accompany you over the years, we can only wish you many nights of continuous and peaceful sleep.
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