The Best Tips You'll Ever Receive On Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is an important piece for the nursery of your baby. But picking out a good crib can be overwhelming especially when you consider the many different designs and security concerns.
Find cribs that meet the most stringent safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights and modern, sleek design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when setting up and arranging your child's crib. It is crucial to stay clear of putting anything in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm, including pillows, blankets as well as sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleeping for more details). Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. They could fall between your baby's crib bars or get stuck within them. They could also be 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 regulations for structural safety. Furthermore, they're tested by a third-party for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). They are also designed to be tough and convertible, so they can grow along with your child.
It's important that you choose a crib that meets current safety standards, regardless of whether you're purchasing a brand-new or used crib. Secondhand cribs may lose their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious dangers to your baby.
The crib's slats should not exceed 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) and the hardware must be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any loose or broken components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children and/or pets, as their safety might be compromised. Also, don't purchase or accept an older crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to safety reasons.
Style
Although all cribs must comply with strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats all have the same length, or are spaced closer apart, while others could impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Certain features, such as finials and drop sides, aren't safe and should not be used, while others--like adjustable mattress height and wheels/casters highly sought-after by many parents.
One important thing to remember is that the crib should be used solely for sleep for infants It's not a place to store clothes or toys. You can also include the crib on your registry to get help from friends and family in the event you need help.
Cribs are available in a variety of different styles However, we prefer those that combine style with functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider an essential feature for any baby product that is non-toxic and can be converted into a toddler bed or daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs feature an older-style look like the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into large nursery spaces, however it occupies more floor space than smaller and minimalist models, and also has exposed hardware that some might find distracting. Additionally, it has only three mattress height levels, which is less than half of the other options and isn't as sturdy as our other picks.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. 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 appreciate. It can also be elevated to a higher height to ease colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's important to know that this bed is more expensive than other top choices, and it requires a separate conversion kit for toddler beds.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's important that the mattress is at the right level. This will ensure that your child doesn't fall out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher can also help keep your child from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will have slats or railings that are adjustable to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A conversion kit is provided with most good cribs so that you can convert it into a toddler bed or daybed after your child has outgrown the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose a crib that has been tested and certified by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification which means that it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemical or other finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the most highly-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble, with a straightforward design that doesn't have any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester said that her baby slept well and that the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which has a unique oval shape that gives it a contemporary appearance. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, but its quality and features are worth it. It can be easily transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet, and it has wheels to make it easy to move. It also has a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant touch to any nursery.
The only downside to this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. It's a secure, comfortable crib that can grow with your child as they grow from infant to toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies like to grab things, and if something is hanging over or above their crib, it could tug on the rails or become an entanglement hazard. If parents decide to decorate their crib with decorative items or toys, they should make sure that the items are securely attached and are not within Baby's reach.
In Baby beds to the security features of our best cribs for babies, we consider how simple it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without the need for special tools or a lot of time. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than an hour, and the instructions included are generally clear and easy to follow.
Baby Cot that you choose the right crib that will last for many years. Select a crib that is able to be converted from a crib into an adult bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet for the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Another option that is a great choice is the Stork Craft Equinox 3-in-1 crib. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile that makes it easier for parents who are small to reach their child and soothe their child. It is well-known for quality and comes in cherry, white 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 exceeds the standards of government agencies such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that's missing is a toddler rail which you can buy separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for a high-quality affordable crib that will last for a long time.