How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for the nursery of your baby. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. We recommend a crib that has a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
Follow the safe sleep guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your crib for your child. Avoid placing any items 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. Also, your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls, or stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches. These items could easily slide between the crib bars or become trapped in them. They may also get taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made from materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also adhere to strict federal and state regulations regarding structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can grow with your child.
It is essential to select a crib which meets the current safety standards, no matter if you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may become less sturdy over time due to age, humidity and heavy use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. It's an excellent idea to examine the mattress support rims and slats for broken or loose parts.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could have been compromised. Don't buy or accept the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
There are a lot of design differences between cribs, despite the fact that they all must meet safety standards. Some are simply aesthetic, such as whether the slats are of the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as drop sides and finials are not safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used as a place for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes, but the ones we prefer are those that combine style and function. For example the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 crib is simple and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is non-toxic. It can be turned to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nurseries. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels, which is less than half the other options and it's not as sturdy as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and make it easier to observe baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important aspect for new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however it's more expensive than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is the correct level. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which can be dangerous or fatal. A higher mattress can also safeguard your child from suffocation or overheating.
A quality crib should have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided in 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. In the end, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there are minimal chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The crib's sides are shorter than other models. However, one test subject said that their child slept well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which features a unique oval shape that gives it a modern appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features are worth it. For instance, it can be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed. It also has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a like a womb for your baby. It also adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with mattress. You'll need to purchase one separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can adapt to your child's needs as they go from newborn to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or dangling components. If related web site is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or other items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a long amount of time. Most parents report that the assembly of a modern crib takes less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It's important that you choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet during the early months and then transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This beautiful, minimalist-style crib has a low profile that makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe their child. It has a good reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso 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 exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality crib that is affordable and built to last for a long time.