How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to last and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart and others have a significant impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are popular with parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include a crib in your registry to receive assistance from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic, and it can convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right level. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your little one outgrows it. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to make sure there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to assemble and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one tester reported that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the price. For click this link here now , it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib it could tug against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until an adult bed and then a full-size bed.
Our favorite 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can touch their child to soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.