A baby lying on an elevated mattress in an infant bed

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 3 years old.

Infant beds are most common in North America, Europe, and Australia, employed by the majority of parents as an alternative to co-sleeping.

[edit] Design

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.

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.^[1] Bed sheets ought to fit the mattress tightly so that the child cannot become entangled and suffocate; a common safety recommendation is to short sheet the bed.^{[citation needed]} Because of the pronounced risk of suffocation in very young children, the addition of anything other than sheets (including pillows and plush toys) into an infant bed is not recommended by health authorities.^{[citation needed]}

Infant beds that can be converted into a standard sized bed as the child grows larger have become increasingly popular; see also toddler bed.

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.

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.

[edit] Use

An infant bed is typically used after it is no longer safe to leave the baby in a bassinet. They have a lower center of gravity, a broader base of support and can hold a larger baby than a bassinet. Infant beds are more stable than bassinettes and as such become desirable when a baby can roll, transferring inertia with their actions; a bassinet may tip, an infant bed wont without concerted effort.

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 may be used due to health concerns regarding co-sleeping or due to cultural norms.

"Crib bumpers" are marketed to keep children from bumping against the hard sides and hurting themselves; breathable bumpers are intended to prevent suffocation, while proving padding. Toys specifically for an infant bed include mobiles, musical toys to soothe the baby to sleep and mirrors to keep the children entertained while awake in the bed. It has become increasingly common to have a baby monitor nearby so as to disturb the caretaker when the child awakens.

[edit] History

Please help improve this article by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (January 2009)

Infant beds became widely popular in the 19th century.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] See also

• Jenny Lind crib, vertical bars in an infant bed were publicized by the bed Jenny Lind slept in
• Co-sleeping, a practice in which babies and young children sleep with one or both parents
• Bassinet, a common precursor bed for babies
• Toddler bed, a common subsequent bed for toddlers
• Neonatal intensive-care unit (Humidicrib)

[edit] References

1. ^ http://www.sidsandkids.org/pdf/october05_statement.pdf

[edit] External links

• Crib Safety Guidelines
• CPSC crib safety standards
• Crib safety information from Seattle Children's Hospital.