How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of 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.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and includes no dangling or chewable components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib that could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, 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 larger than 15 inches. They could easily fall into or become stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best crib for newborn infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. 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 are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they'll grow with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs [euro2020ticket.Net] can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no 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. Check the slats and mattress support rims and hardware for any loose or damaged components.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't purchase or buy cribs with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we prefer combine style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any product that is non-toxic. It can be transformed to a daybed or toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have more traditional designs, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nursery. However, it takes up more space than smaller minimalist options. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options, and it's not as durable as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and allow you to see your baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though, that 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 is important that the mattress is the right height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher also helps keep your child from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your infant grows. Most good cribs will also come with a conversion kit, so you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's recommended to pick a crib which is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs, but one parent tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great crib option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has many features that make up the cost. 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 also has a canopy that can be used to create a womb-like environment for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't include an additional mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that will adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib it could pull against the rails or create a strangulation hazard. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best crib for newborn infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib to an adult bed, and later a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.