There has been a recent trend of parents lowering the crib mattress to the floor to keep their babies safer. Many experts agree that this is a good idea, as it decreases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and other accidents.
Here are some reasons why you might want to consider lowering your crib mattress:
- It can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). SIDS is a leading cause of death in infants, and by making some simple changes, you can help reduce your child’s risk of dying.
- It makes it harder for your baby to climb out of the crib. Babies who can climb out of their cribs are at a higher risk for injury, so making it more difficult for them to do so can help keep them safe.
- Babies can get their heads stuck between the railing and the mattress if the mattress is too high, which can lead to serious injuries. By lowering the mattress, you can help avoid this from happening. It reduces the risk of accidental injuries.
- Another reason is that it may be more comfortable for your baby to sleep on the floor, especially if they are used to sleeping on a firm surface.
However, you should always consult your pediatrician before changing your baby’s sleep environment.
How to lower the crib mattress
If you’re looking to lower your crib mattress to the floor, you can use a few different methods.
1. Remove the screws and lower it yourself
If you need to lower your crib mattress to the floor, the easiest way is to remove the screws and lower it yourself. This can be done yourself without any special tools.
First, remove all the screws from the head and foot boards of the crib. There should be four screws on each board once they are removed. Set them aside so you can put them back in later.
Next, use your hands or a flat head screwdriver to pry up the end of the mattress closest to you. It should lift up easily. Then, slide the mattress out of the crib and set it aside.
Now, it’s time to lower the crib frame down to the floor. You can do this yourself or have someone help you hold it while you lower it.
2. Remove one or more slats
Removing one or more slats from a crib mattress can be a simple way to lower the mattress to the floor. This is helpful for young children who are learning to crawl or walk and for parents who want easy access to their child during bedtime.
Following a few simple steps, you can remove one or more slats and have your crib mattress at the perfect height in no time.
To begin, locate the screws that hold the slats on each side of the crib. There should be two screws on each side, located at either end of the slat. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws.
Once the screws are removed, gently lift the end of the slat and pull it out of the groove in which it sits. Be careful not to damage the slat or injure yourself while removing it.
3. Cut down the legs of the crib
When your child starts to climb out of the crib, it might be time to lower the crib mattress to the floor. This can be done by cutting down the legs of the crib. Here is a simple guide on cutting down the crib’s legs.
- Begin by measuring the height of your crib’s legs. You’ll need to know how much you’ll need to cut off each leg to have a flat surface on which to place the mattress.
- Remove all of the screws that attach the legs to the crib.
- Use a saw to cut down each leg, making sure not to cut into the main frame of the crib. Reattach each leg using screws that are slightly shorter than the originals.
- Finally, reattach the hardware covers, and you’re done!
4. Remove the springs in the crib frame
If you have a crib with springs in the frame, you may want to lower the mattress to the floor for safety reasons. You can remove or cut the springs to do this.
To remove the springs, use a screwdriver to pry off the end caps from each side of the crib. Once they are off, you should be able to see the springs. Use pliers to grip one end of a spring and pull it out. Do this for all of the springs.
You can cut the springs if you don’t want to remove them. Cut each one in half with wire cutters. This will make them shorter, and they will not be able to support the weight of a person or baby.
5. Cut the springs
The springs in the crib frame can easily be cut to lower the crib mattress to the floor. This simple process can be completed in a matter of minutes with a few basic tools.
The first step is to remove the screws from the top of each side of the crib frame. There are usually four screws on each side. Once they are removed, the top of the frame can be lifted off and set aside.
Next, locate the springs at each corner of the crib frame. They will be attached to metal brackets screwed into the wood framing. Use a screwdriver or drill to remove the screws from the brackets.
Once removed, the springs can be cut with scissors or wire cutters. Be sure to cut them as close to the bracket as possible so that there is no sharp metal edge exposed.
6. Using a crib lowering kit
If you are looking to lower your crib mattress to the floor, there is a kit that can help you do just that.
The crib lowering kit includes metal brackets that fit around the outside of the crib frame and a metal beam that fits between the brackets. The beam has adjustable levels, so you can ensure it is the right height for your mattress.
You must remove the crib’s fixed sides and bottom panel to use the kit. Then, measure and mark where you want to place the metal brackets on the frame.
Drill holes in the frame and use the included screws to attach the brackets. Next, measure and mark where you want to place the metal beam on the frame.
Drill holes in the frame and use included screws to attach the beam. Finally, put your mattress on top of the beam and adjust as needed.
7. Use bed rails
If you have a child that is transitioning from a crib to a bed, one way to make the transition easier is to lower the crib mattress to the floor. This can be done using bed rails.
Bed rails can be attached to the side of the crib or bed frame, keeping the mattress in place.
You can attach bed rails to a crib in a few different ways. The most common way is hooking on the rail that fits over slots on the crib railing.
Another way to attach them is by using clamps around the railing.
When attaching bed rails to a bed frame, you will need to use screws or bolts to secure them.
You should also ensure enough clearance between the rail and the wall so your child cannot hit their head on it while sleeping.
8. Use crib lowering brackets
When your child begins to climb out of their crib, it may be time to consider lowering the crib mattress to the floor. This can be done using crib lowering brackets, which attach to the side of the crib and hold the mattress in place at a lower height.
First, measure how much you need to lower the mattress to use crib lowering brackets. Then cut two pieces of wood (or metal) that are the same length.
Drill holes at each end of the wood (or metal), and then use screws or bolts to attach the brackets to the crib’s sides. Finally, put the mattress in place and tighten the screws or bolts to hold it.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to read all instructions carefully and follow them closely so that you can safely lower your crib mattress.
What kind of mattresses can be lowered?
A few types of mattresses can be lowered to the floor. Innerspring, memory foam and latex mattresses can be lowered to the floor.
This is a great option for people who want to save space in their bedroom or who have trouble getting up and down from a traditional bed frame.
1. Innerspring mattresses
Innerspring mattresses can be lowered to the floor by removing the crib’s side panels. This will create a playpen-like area for your child to play in and makes it easier to get them in and out of the crib.
Innerspring crib mattresses are also more durable and less likely to sag than foam mattresses, making them a good choice for households with pets or young children.
2. Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam mattresses can be lowered to the floor, making it easier for parents to access their children. This is also a great feature for parents who have multiple children, as it will make changing and caring for different children at the same time much simpler.
Memory foam mattresses are available in different levels of thickness, so it is important to select the right one before making your purchase.
If you are not sure which thickness is right for you, most retailers will allow you to test out the mattresses before making your decision.
3. Latex mattresses
A latex crib mattress may be the perfect choice if you’re looking for a safe and comfortable sleeping surface for your child.
Latex mattresses are naturally resistant to dust mites and other allergens, making them a good option for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
In addition, latex is a durable material that will last for many years with proper care.
One potential downside of latex mattresses is that they can be quite heavy. This makes it difficult to move around and lower to the floor if needed.
If you’re considering buying a latex crib mattress, be sure to ask the retailer if they offer a lowering service. Some stores will lower the mattress for you free of charge, while others may charge a small fee.
When is it not safe to lower the crib mattress?
A few times, it is not safe to lower the crib mattress to the floor.
If your baby has recently been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), keeping the crib mattress at its highest level is important. This will help keep your baby’s airway open and reduce the risk of aspiration.
If your baby is younger than 4 months old, do not lower the crib mattress to the floor. Babies this young cannot lift their heads and may suffocate if placed in a position where they cannot breathe.
Finally, if your baby is older than 12 months, do not lower the crib mattress to the floor. This can increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Conclusion
Lowering the crib mattress to floor is a simple way to improve your baby’s sleep and health. It can help reduce the risk of SIDS, GERD, and other health problems. It’s also a safe practice as long as you follow the proper precautions.