A Proactive Rant About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the best cot beds Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad choice of mattress heights and a stylish design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your Baby Crib's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to not place any items in the crib of your cheap baby cots that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get taken in by the mattress.
The most suitable cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're designed to be durable and flexible, allowing them to expand with your child.
If you're buying a new crib or used, it's crucial to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and heavy use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. Examine 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, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy or accept a crib 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 many variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats all have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that a crib is meant exclusively for sleeping infants, so it's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also put a crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs feature more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three levels of mattress, which is half the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. 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 is sleeping in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs (navigate to this website) will also include a conversion kit so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It's also a good idea to pick a crib which 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 your baby's crib is not contaminated of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The crib's sides are shorter than 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 relative for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed. It also comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This adds a stylish accent to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with a mattress. You'll have to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or cause strangulation. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must ensure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
We also look at how it is easy to put together our top cribs for infants. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require specialized tools or extensive assembly time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to be. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
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, and a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another excellent choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It is renowned for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality crib that will last for a long time.