An infant bed (commonly referred to as a cot in British English and a crib, cradle or stock) is a small bed specifically for infants, generally up to three years old.
Infant beds are typically used as a bed for a baby after it is no longer safe to leave them in a bassinet. Infant beds are more stable than bassinettes and become desirable when a baby can roll. They have a lower center of gravity, a broader base of support and can hold a larger baby than a bassinet.
Infant beds are designed to restrict the baby to the bed. The sides are too high for a baby to climb and provide no footholds. The thinking behind this design is that if baby wakes up, they will return to sleep rather than roam around the house. To improve the reliability of the confinement, a top (solid or fabric) may be added to an infant bed.
Placing a child into an infant bed can put strain on a caretaker’s back. To reduce the strain on those operating an infant bed, many infant beds feature:
- a mattress that can be in a raised position until the child is able to sit upright.
- a dropside, a side which lowers to ease the process of putting the child into the bed, but can be raised again to restore the integrity of the enclosure.
Infant beds that can be converted into a standard sized bed as the child grows larger have become increasingly popular.
Infant beds can be stationary or portable (portacots). In their portable form the beds generally don’t feature a dropside, and portability factors are emphasised. Portacots are often made from plastics, are often smaller and fold into a compact package.
Design standards for infant beds include considerations such as preventing hand and head entrapment.
Research has shown that the mattress influences SIDS outcomes; a firm mattress lowers SIDS risk.<ref>http://www.sidsandkids.org/pdf/october05_statement.pdf</ref>
Larger infant beds are manufactured, generally for hospital use or for those with special needs. They may include a top, generally made of plastic or metal, to prevent a child from climbing out.
See also
- Baby transport
- Bassinet, a common precursor bed for babies
- Breastfeeding
- Humdicrib (neonatal intensive care unit)
- Toddler bed, a common subsequent bed for toddlers
References
<references />
External links
- CPSC crib safety standards
- Crib safety information from Seattle Children’s Hospital.
- Beds R Us New Zealand's Leading Bed Retailer is now online - Click here to view our Collection Let us help you find the perfect bed - Try our bed search wizard
- Patented Chewproof Kuranda Dog Beds for Homes, Kennels, and Dog Elly McCarthy from Windmill Farm has coordinated the bed donation program so that the Army will transfer the bed directly to Iraq for a military working
- Iron Beds - Wesley Allen Iron Bed Frames - Iron Furniture Manufacturer of iron beds and iron accessories. About the company, FAQs, news and dealer list.
- Platform Beds Find a huge selection of platform beds and contemporary bedroom furniture at Eco-Furniture.com.
- Beds UK by Cannock Beds from Bedsdirect.com Offering a range of beds and accessories.
- California Bed and Breakfasts & Inns, California Lodging California Lodging Guide - Research California Bed and Breakfasts, Resorts, Unique Hotels, Lodges and California Inns.
- BEDS Plus BEDS Plus proudly celebrates its 20th year of service in the upcoming season! The 2007-2008 season begins Monday, October 15 and runs through Tuesday,
- Four poster bed,four poster,beds,canopy,oak,country,bedroom UK makers of quality, handmade four poster beds, canopy beds, and traditional oak country furniture.
- Amazon.com: Beds: Books: Jeff Miller Amazon.com: Beds: Books: Jeff Miller by Jeff Miller.
- Bed and Breakfast Directory- Accommodation Australia - B&B Australia A directory of selected bed and breakfast accommodation around Australia.
- The Bed Expert : Tempur, Vi-Spring, Dunlopillo, Brinkhaus, Hypnos Supply beds, matresses and accessories from the Tempur range of products. Includes contact details and links to sleep related information.
- {fray} hope - strange beds { I've never been able to sleep in a stranger's bed. }
- Dog Beds For You - Your One Stop Pet Bed Source Dog beds are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. It may be difficult for those who do not have a dog to understand why anyone would take the trouble to
- Dog Beds & Pet Beds - Free Shipping! Looking for a high quality dog bed but finding nothing unique at the local pet store? We've got you covered. Shop for upscale and hard to find pet beds and
- B&W Custom Truck Beds, Inc. Come see B&W Custom Truck Beds' website and experience the fusion of industrial quality and ingenious design. B&W develop, manufacture, and market
- Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park. An intact fossil site left in place for public viewing.
- Beds-UK: Beds, UK, World, Bed, Beds UK, Beds UK - Find Beds and Beds-UK : Beds, UK, World, Bed, Beds UK, Beds UK - Find Beds and Mattresses. UK and World. Pine Beds, Bunk Beds, Loft Beds, Sofa Beds, Iron Beds,
- Beds, Mattresses and Sofas with next day delivery Furniture Webstore sells 1000's of Mattresses, Divans, Bunk Beds, Pine and wooden beds, leather sofas, furniture and beds in the UK.
- Mammoth Dog Beds,Wholesale Dog Beds,Dog Supplies;Dog Bed Manufacturer Mammoth dog beds and dog supplies. Wholesale dog beds in various sizes and designer styles recommended by vets - Breeders choice dog beds for large dogs.
- Coop Bed Shop Coop Bed Shop, quality brands at affordable prices, including divans, futons, double beds, king size beds, single beds, bunk beds, sofa beds,
- Four Poster Beds - Wood, Metal The Poster Bed Store offers discount specials in wood and metal. Secure online ordering. Direct delivery. Live US-based customer service, 7 days a week.
- Beyond Beds Adjustable Beds, Memory Foam Mattresses, Latex Mattresses, Pillows, Toppers, Pet Beds and more all at Beyond Beds.com!
- Dog Bed Works - Dog Beds & Pet Beds Dog Bed Works - Classic & designer dog beds, pet beds, dog crates, furniture, feeders, travel gear and more. Unmatched style, comfort & selection.
Did you enjoy Infant bed? Subscribe to RSS Feed.
Social Bookmarking
