How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of various styles and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We also suggest a crib that has a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and positioning your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certs!). They're also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The crib's slats should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any loose or broken parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their security could have been compromised. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, despite the fact that all must be safe to use standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or spaced closer than others or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half the competition, and it's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to see your baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. simply click the next website page can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your child from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization for safety. 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 one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. It can be easily converted into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to do it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually clear and easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. To ensure longevity, you should choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life until a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib which can replace an infant bassinet during the first months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to calm them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also surpasses all safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is an excellent option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.