Best Infant Cribs Isn't As Tough As You Think
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and safety concerns.
Search for a crib with the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that matches your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. It is important to avoid putting any items in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury, including pillows, blankets, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more details). Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not 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 be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for safety and quality (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certificates!). They are also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Secondhand cribs can be damaged in their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose serious risks to your infant.
The slats on your crib should not be longer than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any damaged or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some differences are purely cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could make it difficult to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also put the crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it takes up more floor space than the smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the competition, and it's not as sturdy as some of our other choices.
Another option that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary mattress. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is the right height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps to keep your child safe from suffocating or overheating.
A quality crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. The majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your baby outgrows it. It's also best to choose a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or finishes present in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features an easy design and has no complicated parts. It is one of the top-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern style. It's a bit more expensive than other cribs, but its durability and features make up for it. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling parts. Babies love to grasp things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. infant cot bed Cots 4 Tots UK should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib is the most expensive purchase for new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can be used as the bassinet in the early months, then convert into a toddler bed, daybed, and a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match with 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 slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to reach their child and soothe them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.