20 Things You Need To Know About Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib, make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck in them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They are also designed to be tough and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 2-3/8 inch (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, since their safety may be at risk. Do not purchase or purchase cribs with a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. cots4tots.co.uk to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart and others have an impact on the ease of the crib to operate and maintain. Some features, like finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels/casters are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any product that is free of toxics and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Some cribs feature a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a chic option that can fit in large nursery. However, it takes more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives. It has only three mattress levels which is a fraction of the number offered by competitors. It's not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised higher to ease colic and reflux. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress that is also a match. It's important to remember that this bed is more expensive than the other top picks, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the right height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise the mattress or lower it as your child grows. Most good cribs will also include a conversion kit that allows you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation 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 chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are shorter than other cribs however one tester stated that her baby was comfortable in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child was born.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It features an oval shape, which gives it a modern look. It's a bit more expensive 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 toddler bed. It also is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more womb-like environment for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattresses. You'll have to purchase a mattress separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Parts
The safest cribs are those that have no dangling or chewable components. Babies love to grasp things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them it could pull on the rails or become a strangulation hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and out of baby's reach.
We also consider how easy it is to put together our top cribs for infants. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a large amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. For long-lasting use, choose an adjustable crib that will start at the beginning of your child's life all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace the bassinet in the early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's built to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It also has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry espresso, natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses all government safety standards, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is a great option for those seeking a top-quality, affordable crib that will last.