Best Infant Cribs Isn't As Difficult As You Think
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows, sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to your child's needs.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's essential to select cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Also, infant cot bed or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. please click the following page is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider a must-have for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three levels of mattress which is a fraction of the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's an excellent idea to select a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It can be easily transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a space that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The most secure cribs have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top cribs for babies, we look at how easy it is to put together. The ideal crib will be easy enough to be able to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It is essential to select the right crib that will last for many years. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert to a toddler bed daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and comes in a range of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and calm their child. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a great choice for those who want an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.