How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib that has a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken in by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to the effects of humidity, age and frequent use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best cot beds to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that all must meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could make it difficult to clean and use the crib. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like adjustable mattress height and wheels, are coveted by a lot of parents.
A crib is not meant to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles, but we prefer those that combine design and function. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It is also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. 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 chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes up more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will appreciate. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note, however it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct level. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can transform the crib into a toddler bed or mini cotbed (Herandex.ru) daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has an easy design and has no confusing parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than other cribs however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and remained in good condition 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 little more expensive than other cribs, however its quality and features make up for it. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an atmosphere that resembles a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib it could tug off the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should ensure that the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that assembling a modern crib takes less than an hour and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose the right crib that will last for many years. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy until the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant Cot Bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match with your nursery's theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for parents with small cot beds hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It also has a great reputation for quality and is available in cherry, white espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.