How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It can be difficult to choose the ideal crib, due to so many styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that adheres to the highest safety standards and includes no chewable or dangling components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a variety of mattress sizes and modern, sleek design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. These items can easily slide between the crib bars or be stuck within them. They may also get 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 laws, local and state standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure quality and safety. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certifications!) They're also designed to be durable and convertible, meaning they'll grow with your child.
No matter if you're buying new or used, it's essential to select a crib that meets today's strict safety standards. Secondhand cribs may be weakened in the course of time due to humidity, age and frequent use. This can pose serious risks to your baby.
The slats of your crib should not exceed 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims, and hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children or pets, as their security could have been compromised. Don't buy or purchase a second-hand crib with an incline side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for reasons of safety.
Style
While all cribs have to comply with strict safety standards, you'll find many design differences. Some are simply aesthetic, such as if the slats are the same length or placed closer than others or not, while others have an impact on the ease of the crib to maintain and use. Certain features, like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress height and wheels, are sought-after by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib on your registry to get assistance from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles We prefer ones that blend design and function. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalist crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is essential for any toxic-free product. It can be converted into a daybed and toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs have a more traditional look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stylish choice that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. It only has three levels of mattress which is less than the number offered by competitors. It's also not as durable as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. cheap cots says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified gold and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby is sleeping in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from escaping the crib, which could be dangerous or fatal. A mattress that is higher can protect your baby from suffocation or overheating.
A good crib will have adjustable slats or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs so that you can convert it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed after your child has outgrown the crib. It's also recommended to select a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation to ensure safety. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee your baby's crib is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib features simple design and doesn't have confusing parts. It is one of the top cribs. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second baby.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features that make up the price. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet or toddler bed. best rated cribs has wheels so it's easy to move from room to room. This Internet page comes with a canopy that can be used to create a more child-like space for your baby and adds an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is that it doesn't include mattress, which you'll need 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 are those that have no dangling or chewable components. If something is hung above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to pull or create a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they must be sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the safety features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to set up. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or spending a lot of time. The majority of parents say that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour and the included instructions are usually simple and easy to follow.
A crib is a major purchase for most new parents, so it is essential to choose one that will last for a long time to come. Pick a crib that can be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
Our top choice for a 4-in-1 convertible crib is the Ikea Nestig Cloud Crib, which can replace the bassinet in the early months, and then be converted to a toddler bed daybed, and full-size bed. It is designed to last and is available in a variety of colors so that you can match it with your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another great alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile to ensure that parents with small feet can reach their child to comfort them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white 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 toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also surpasses standards set by the government like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can purchase separately. This is a good option for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.