How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with numerous styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib that has a variety of mattress sizes and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child'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 could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept 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 a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they 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 than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep and is not an area to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. cot for sale certified, which we believe is an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents appreciate. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top options and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that let you raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. It's recommended to pick the crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however one tester reported that her baby slept well in it and was still in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that 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 transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish touch in any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to buy one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and are out of Baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child to calm them. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who are looking for an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.