How To Outsmart Your Boss On Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is one of the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your crib for your child. It is essential to stay clear of putting anything in your baby's crib which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more information). Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They could also be taken in by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also meet strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to last and convertible, meaning they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's crucial to choose a crib which meets the current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This could cause serious dangers to your baby.
The slats of your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. It's an excellent idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by pets or children in the past, as their safety could have been 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 to protect the public.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, despite the fact that they all must be safe to use standards. Some are just cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length or are spaced further apart, while others could impact the ease 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 popular with parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothes. You can also include a crib on your registry to seek help from friends and family in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in many different styles However, we prefer those that combine design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks stunning. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be turned into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs sport more traditional designs like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that fits well into large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than the smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with a modern aesthetic is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware help to improve the flow of air, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that a lot of new parents will find important. It can also be raised to a higher height to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an additional mattress. It's worth noting, though, that it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is important that the mattress on your baby's crib is at the correct height. This will stop your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit comes with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. best cot beds includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no complicated parts. It is among the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent option. It has an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with many features to make up for the cost. It can, for instance, be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a more like a womb for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have an additional mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. It's a safe, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable components.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. Babies like to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull against the rails or create an injury to strangulation. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other decorative items, they must ensure that the items are securely secured and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or a long amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than one hour to assemble a modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that lasts for many years. To ensure longevity, you should choose a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
Our top pick for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace a bassinet for those early months, then convert to a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a slim profile that makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort them. It is renowned for its quality, and is available in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made of sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing not included is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a good option for those who want an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.