How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a crib with a wide range of mattress height settings and a sleek design that is in line with your style.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child which could cause harm or injury such as blankets, pillows as well as sheepskins, stuffed toys, and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars, or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made from materials that are free of VOCs, harmful chemicals, and other substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by third parties to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) They are also designed to be durable and reversible, which means they can grow along with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that is in line with the current stringent safety standards. Used cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and frequent use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware on the crib should be secured. visit the next website page 's also a good idea to inspect the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose components.
It's also recommended to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their safety may have been compromised. Also, don't purchase or purchase an older crib that has the drop 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 different designs of cribs, even though they all must be safe to use standards. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others could affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like finials and drop sides aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that a crib should be used exclusively for sleeping infants and is not an ideal place to store toys or clothes. You can also put the crib on your registry to receive help from friends and family when you need one.
Cribs are available in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend fashion and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks stunning. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics and it's able to convert into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs have an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that is a good fit for large nurseries, but it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the number of competitors. It's also not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to alleviate reflux and colic which makes it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than the other top options, and it requires an additional conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is essential that the mattress on your baby's crib is of the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A higher mattress can also protect your baby from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A quality crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable 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 the toddler bed or daybed after your baby outgrows it. It is also a good idea for you to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third-party organization. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee that your baby's crib is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one parent tester said that her child slept well and the crib was in good condition when she gave it to a relative for her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It features an oval shape which creates a modern appearance. It's a bit more costly 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 comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. This adds a stylish design to any nursery.
This crib is not equipped with mattresses. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they transition from infant to toddler.
No dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling 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 decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for babies, we take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble the modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be a major purchase for most new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib to an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet in the early months and then converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors so that you can match it to the theme of your nursery's decor.
Another great option is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib is low-profile which makes it easier for parents with small hands to touch their child and comfort their child. It is well-known for its quality, and is available in white, cherry and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety. It's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of harmful substances such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail, that you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality crib that is affordable and built to last.