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.
Look for a crib that has the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and a sleek, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, make sure you follow the safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or become caught 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 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 certificates!). They're also designed to be tough and convertible, so they'll continue to grow with your child.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs could lose structural integrity over time due to age, humidity and use. This can cause serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secured. Check the slats, mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or accept a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
While all cribs must adhere to strict safety standards, there are a lot of design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, such as if the slats are identical in length or are spaced closer together, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Certain features such as finials and drop sides are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
A crib isn't designed to be used for toys or clothes. It's only intended to be a place where babies can sleep. You can also include the crib on your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified and we believe that is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it takes more space than smaller minimalist options. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the competition's number. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with contemporary 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 an attribute that many new parents will find important. It can also be elevated to a higher position 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 a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires an additional conversion kit to accommodate toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right height. This ensures that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats that permit you to raise or lower it as your baby grows. A conversion kit comes in the majority of cribs, so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third-party organization to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications ensure that your baby's crib is not contaminated of any chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib has a simple design and no confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are shorter than the other models. However, one tester reported that her child was sleeping 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 style. It's a bit more costly than most cribs, but it is durable and has many options to make up the cost. It can be easily converted into a bassinet or toddler bed, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It has a canopy which can be used to create a space more akin to a womb your baby. This is a chic touch in any nursery.
what is it worth to this crib is that it doesn't come with a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. cot for sale 's a secure, comfortable crib that will expand with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The safest cribs have no chewable or hanging components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging over or above their crib, it could snag against the rails or create an entanglement hazard. If a parent decides to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they need to be sure that the items are securely fastened and out of baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our best infant cribs, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be easy enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Many parents report that it takes less than one hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib that can be used to replace an infant bassinet during the first months, and then be converted into a toddler bed, daybed, or a full-size bed. It's made for long-term use and comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to comfort them. It is renowned for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso 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 government standards like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can purchase separately. This is an excellent option for those looking for a quality affordable crib that will last.