It is no secret that putting a baby in a lowered crib is one of the most critical milestones in their development, setting the foundation for safety and comfort in their sleeping space. However, dropping the crib's sides and putting a tiny human into the lowered space can be daunting. The unfamiliarity of the task can be enough to make a family feel overwhelmed but fear not – with the proper steps, it does not have to be a frightening experience! With a little effort and practice, getting your little one situated in a lowered crib can be both easy and enjoyable.
Whether you are a new parent or an experienced one looking to brush up, this article will answer how to put a baby into a lowered crib.
Key Takeaways- Once your baby crawls and stands up, it is essential to lower the crib to its lowest height to ensure safety.
- Depending on the model, you can adjust the leg height of the crib to convert it into a lowered crib, allowing you to adjust the height of the mattress to suit your needs.
- Short moms who often struggle to get their babies into the crib can use a step stool to make the process much easier.
- You can easily adjust a crib’s height by locating the height adjusters on either side of the crib and moving them to the desired setting.
Placing Your Baby in the Lowered Crib
Lowering the baby's crib can be especially beneficial for increasingly mobile toddlers who may be at risk of falling out of the crib. Putting your baby in a lowered crib is a simple process and can be done quickly in just a few steps. Below is all the information you need to know about lowering your baby's crib:
Adjust the Crib Mattress Height
The first step to lowering the crib is to adjust the height of the mattress in the crib. Depending on the type of crib, you may be able to change the crib height using screws, levers, or knobs on the mattress support frame. Make sure to adjust the crib height to the lowest point allowed by your crib manufacturer.
Some cribs come with built-in height adjustments. When in doubt, check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific crib to ensure you adhere to safety guidelines.
Use Step Stools
Instead of straining your back by standing on your tiptoes when putting your baby down in the cot, consider adding a few extra centimeters to your height! You can do this easily by using a stool or step ladder to get closer to the crib rail. It is beneficial for short moms who often struggle when trying to get the baby into the crib and those who set up the cribs in the lowest setting.
A step stool can help make the process easier and alleviate any serious pain in the upper body that may arise from stretching.
Adjust the Leg Height of Your Crib
Once the mattress height is adjusted, and the step stool is in place, the next step is to adjust the leg height of your crib. Depending on the crib model, you may need to unscrew some bolts or knobs to adjust the leg height. Make sure to adjust the leg height to the nearest floor level so that the mattress is closer to the ground.
Remember to keep the instructions manual for your crib nearby for reference and read it thoroughly before making any adjustments.
Step-by-Step Process of Putting Your Baby in a Lowered Crib
Step #1: Prep the room
Make sure the room is safe for your baby by removing hard objects from the ground and checking for potentially harmful electrical items. Ensure the room temperature is comfortable for your baby, and confirm that the cot is away from any windows or potential falls.
Step #2: Adjust the crib height
Adjust the height of your baby's crib to the optimal setting for your baby's safety and comfort. Ensure that it is securely in place, not too high or too low, so you can easily place your baby in it once they fall asleep. You may use a ruler or measuring tape to measure accurately.
Many baby cots come with adjustable mattresses that can be adjusted to a different sleeping arrangement as your newborn baby grows, providing a comfortable and safe sleeping environment for your little one. Read the instructions carefully before making height adjustments to your baby's crib to ensure safety.
Step #3: Put your baby
Now it's time to put your baby inside the low crib safely. Once your baby falls asleep, you can gently put your baby on the mattress, taking care to keep your hands around their head and bottom. Make sure to firmly support the back of their head and neck while placing them in the cot to keep them in the correct position.
Step #4: Secure your baby
Once your baby is in the low crib, ensure their arms and legs are securely tucked in and their hands and feet can move freely. Check the straps or blankets around them to ensure they are in the correct place and not too tight.
Step #5: Put the blanket on
Now that you've placed your baby in the low crib, you can put the blanket or sleep sack on them. Make sure the blanket isn't too tight or too loose, and no part of the blanket is getting stuck between the bars of the cot, which can present a suffocation hazard.
Step #6: Check the mattress
Finally, check the crib mattress to ensure it's in the correct position and that your baby is lying comfortably. Inspect to confirm the crib mattress fits in the cot snugly and hasn't moved or shifted too far over the rails.
When Should Babies Crib Be Lowered?
You should set up a crib to its lowest height once your baby crawls and stands up. It is also essential to ensure that the mattress is in the right position in the crib so that your active baby cannot escape. Keep in mind that all the crib slats should be no more than 2 ⅜ inches apart, as this ensures your baby's safety no matter their weight and age.
Once your little one has become even more active, old enough to climb out of the crib and get ready for their first toddler bed, the mattress must be on the floor. Your baby should sleep in a bed that is low to the ground so that even if they attempt to get out of bed, they won't be injured, as it is more difficult to jump from a low-lying bed than from a high mattress. Whenever you change your baby's sleep surface, no matter how often, ensure that the crib or bed meets the safety regulations.
How Do You Adjust the Height of a Crib?
Start by locating the height adjusters on the crib's sides to adjust a crib's height. These adjusters usually have three or four settings. Once you have located them and selected the desired height, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws securing the height adjusters.
Once the screws have been loosened, use your hands to slide up or down the height adjusters until they are in the desired position. Then, firmly tighten the screws again. Be sure to avoid over-tightening the screws to prevent damaging the crib.
Now that you have adjusted the crib's height to the desired setting, test it by moving the mattress up and down. Ensure that up or down movement is smooth and easy – there shouldn't be any sticking or resistance. If there is, you may need to adjust the height again.
Finally, place your baby's mattress inside the crib and fasten the hardware on each corner to the crib's mattress support. It helps to ensure the mattress is held firmly in place.
After repeating these steps for all four corners, ensure that the mattress is lying level and flat in the baby crib.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now I will answer the most frequently asked questions.
Are all cribs adjustable?
No, not all cribs are adjustable. Non- adjustable regular cribs cannot be converted into low cribs. However, most cribs let you adjust the mattress height, with some having three levels and others having even more.
Can a newborn sleep in a low crib?
No, newborn babies cannot sleep in a low crib. The key recommendations for infant sleep include putting the baby on a flat, firm sleep surface and ensuring the sleeping area is free of soft bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, and other items that can increase the risk of SIDS. Keep these recommendations in mind when getting a new crib for your baby.
Conclusion
Putting a baby in a lowered crib is an easy process that takes just a few steps. You can provide your baby with a safe and comfortable sleep environment by ensuring that all safety concerns are addressed and that the crib is lowered to the appropriate height. Always use the proper safety precautions and check the crib's height periodically to ensure it is still in a safe position. With these tips, you can easily lower a crib and help ensure that your baby has a comfortable and safe sleeping experience each night.