Infant bed

Infant bed (also known as a cot in British English, and, in American English, a crib or cradle, or farthing bed) is a small bed specifically for infants and very young children. Infant beds are a historically recent development intended to contain a child capable of standing. The cage-like design of infant beds restricts the child to the bed.

Design

Infant beds are designed to restrict the baby to the bed. The sides are usually much higher than those of adult beds to prevent the baby from climbing or falling out. Infant beds are typically made of wood, although some are made of metal or plastic. The mattress is firm and flat to minimize the risk of suffocation.

Safety

Safety is a major concern with infant beds. Many countries have regulations for crib safety. In the United States, for example, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has set standards for cribs since 1973. These standards have been updated regularly to ensure the highest level of safety for infants.

History

The history of the infant bed dates back to the late 19th century when it was first introduced in Western Europe. Prior to this, infants often shared beds with their parents, a practice known as co-sleeping.

See also

• Bassinet
• Cradle (bed)
• Co-sleeping
• Sudden infant death syndrome