Beware Of These "Trends" About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very important piece for the nursery of your baby. It isn't easy to pick the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a chic crib with a range of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib sets that could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or become stuck within them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best rated cribs cribs for infants are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's important to select a crib that meets today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats of your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep children from being wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to avoid using cribs that were used by children or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Don't buy or accept cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are many different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together or not, while others have a significant 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. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store clothes or toys. You can also include a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we like best rated cribs combine style and functionality. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is a must-have for any toxic-free baby product and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that can fit in large nurseries. However, it takes more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as some of our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents consider important. It can be raised higher to relieve reflux and colic. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that the crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child isn't able to climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in the majority of cribs, so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. In the end, it's best crib to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby slept well in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many options to make up the price. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it 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 womb-like environment for your cheap baby cots for sale (git.freibier.cc) and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that can grow with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
We also look at how easy it is to build our top cribs for infants. The ideal crib will be simple enough to be able to build it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or a long time to assemble. The majority of parents say that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and later a full-size mattress.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great option. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents who are small to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as 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 exceeds the safety standards of the government, 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 who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.