How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that adheres to the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a modern design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set 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 are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be trapped in them. They may also get 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 meet strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're designed to be sustainable and adaptable, so they can grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
Although all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are the same length or spaced closer together or not, while others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can assist you in getting one when the time comes.
Cribs come in all sizes and shapes however, the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and it's able to convert into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that can be incorporated into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a matching mattress. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top choices and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit is included in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organisation to ensure safety. Continuing and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than other cribs however, one user reported that her baby slept well in it and remained in good condition when she gave it to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
visit the next website page that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary look. It's a little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features are worth it. For example, 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 also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby and adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from or above their crib, it could snag off the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to make sure that the items are securely fastened and are out of Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. Ideally, the crib should be simple enough to do it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or extensive assembly time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are generally easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later converted into a toddler bed, a daybed, or a large 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 alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a slim profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a good reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white, espresso, and 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 toxins like lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.