How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. mini cotbed adhere to strict federal laws, local and state requirements for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs could be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent children from being wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Do not purchase or purchase a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants, 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 lend a hand to help you get one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a classy crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition, and it's not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, to allow you to convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It is an excellent idea to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't have any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good condition when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features are worth it. It can, for instance, be converted 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 environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable touch in any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they go from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could pull off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that they secure the items and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way up to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, and later convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great option for those looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.