How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely crucial piece for the nursery of your baby. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that complements 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 blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items can easily get caught between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best rated cribs infant cribs (please click for source) are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may have their structural integrity weakened due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The crib's slats should not be longer than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Examine the slats, best cot bed mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of identical in length or are spaced closer together and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to operate and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, like adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place for babies to sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we love best combine style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks gorgeous. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a classy crib that can be incorporated into large nurseries, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some may find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number of competitors. It's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents consider important. It can also be raised to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than other top picks and requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
When your Baby Crib is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. Finally, it's recommended to select 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 ensure that your baby's crib is free of finishes or chemicals.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however, one user reported that her baby cots on sale was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend following 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 contemporary style. It's a bit more costly than other cribs, however it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, 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 also has a canopy that can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are securely secured and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be simple enough to put together yourself without requiring special tools or a lot of 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 generally clear and easy to follow.
It is essential to select a crib that lasts for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It also has a great 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 exceeds government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.