10 No-Fuss Methods To Figuring Out Your 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 right crib, with so many styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a stylish design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging 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 larger than 15 inches shouldn't be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items could easily fall into or become caught between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to last and convertible, so they'll grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. cheap cots may be damaged in their structural integrity due to age, humidity and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose parts.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety could be compromised. Do not purchase or purchase the crib that has drop-side rails. This feature was banned in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, such as if the slats are all identical in length or are spaced closer than others and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Some features like finials and drop sides are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a grand crib that can be incorporated into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some may find distracting. Moreover, great crib has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy 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 help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will consider important. It can also be elevated to a higher position to alleviate reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with a free matching mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This will ensure that your child isn't able to climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's recommended to select a crib which has been certified and tested by a third-party institution. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that 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 one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more costly than the majority of cribs, but it is durable and has many options to make up the cost. For example, it can be transformed into a bassinet or a toddler bed, and it is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It has a canopy which can be used to create an environment more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase one separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could tug on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to put together. Ideally, the crib should be easy enough to make it yourself, and doesn't require any special tools or long assembly time. The majority of parents say that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than an hour, and the included instructions are usually simple 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 will be used from the time of infancy all the way to a toddler bed and finally a full-size bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that allows parents who are small to reach their child and calm them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. You can purchase it separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.