11 Methods To Completely Defeat Your Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an extremely essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to select the ideal crib, due to so many designs and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, and no dangling or chewable parts. We also suggest a crib with a wide selection of mattress heights and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure you follow the 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, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to last and are convertible so they can grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose a crib that is in line with today's strict safety standards. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not exceed 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their security may be compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to reasons of safety.
Style
There are a lot of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all must meet safety standards. Some of the differences are aesthetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use 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 a place for babies to sleep. It's also an excellent idea to include the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we like best have a mix of 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 free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. best cot beds 's a chic option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels which is less than half of the competition and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that new parents find important. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies aged 6 months and the birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an additional mattress. It's important to note that this bed is more expensive than other top choices and requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. The majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can transform the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed when your child is no longer using it. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been certified and tested by a third-party organization. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs on the market, and it's simple to put together and features a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child did well sleeping in it and was still in good shape when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another great alternative. It has an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and comes with wheels to make it easy to move. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment that resembles a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or hanging components. Babies like to grab objects, and if something is hanging from or above their crib it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the directions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib to a toddler'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 the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that allows parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. 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 of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is lacking is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an inexpensive, high-quality crib that will last.