How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the best crib, given numerous styles and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, and no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights as well as modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm in your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows, and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could get caught between the crib bars or become stuck in them. They may also be taken up by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They're also designed to be sustainable and flexible, allowing them to grow with your child.
It is essential to select cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to aging, humidity and frequent use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The slats on your crib should be spaced no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to keep infants from getting wedged between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It is best to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety may be at risk. Don't purchase or buy the crib that has a drop-side rail. This feature was banned in 2012 by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some of the differences are cosmetic, such as the slats have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to use and clean the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should be avoided, while others--like adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
Cot Bed to remember is that a crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not an area to store toys or clothes. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek assistance from family and friends when you need one.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes However, the ones we like best are those that combine style and function. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which is essential for any toxic-free baby product and can be converted into a toddler bed as well as a daybed (toddler conversion kit available separately).
Other cribs are more traditional, 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 and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some find distracting. It has only three mattress levels, which is half the competition's number. cot beds 's also not as sturdy as our other choices.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware help to improve airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that a lot of new parents will find important. It can be raised to relieve reflux and colic. This makes it suitable for babies who are 6 months and birth. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a complimentary matching mattress. It's important to note, however, 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 crib mattress of your baby is at the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out which could be hazardous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher will also safeguard your child from heat exhaustion or suffocation.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A majority of cribs come with a conversion kit, so you can turn the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organization for safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that the crib of your baby is free of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features a simple design and no confusing parts. It is among the most highly-rated cribs. The sides of the crib are a bit shorter than many other models however one tester stated that her baby did well sleeping in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a relative after the birth of her second child.
Another great option is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary style. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its quality and features make up for it. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet and comes with wheels to make it simple to move around. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an environment more like a womb for your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
This crib does not come with mattress. You will need to purchase one separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can expand with your child from a newborn to a toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or decorative objects, they should make sure they secure the items and aren't within reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our top cribs for infants, we also look at how easy it is to set up. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or extensive assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together a modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for years to come. For longevity, opt for a convertible crib that will work from infancy all the way to the toddler bed, and then an adult-sized bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet during the beginning, and later converted into an infant bed, a daybed, or a larger bed. It's designed to last and is available in many colors so you can match it to your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. cot beds , minimal-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for its quality, and is available 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 toxins like lead and phthalates. It also far exceeds safety standards set by the government, such as ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.