How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different styles and security concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your baby's crib. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or get caught between your baby and the crib bars, or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They are also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to the effects of humidity, age and heavy use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are highly sought-after by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep It's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in many different styles However, we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nursery. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to help reduce colic and reflux which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is of the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which can be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed once your little one outgrows it. It's also a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there are minimal chemicals or finishes present in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
This crib does not come with a mattress. You will need to buy one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
Cot Bed Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that are free of chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If click the following web page decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should ensure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to build it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can reach their child to soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.