How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
The crib is a very essential piece of furniture for your baby's nursery. It isn't easy to pick the right crib, with so many designs and safety concerns.
Choose a crib that meets the most stringent safety standards and has no dangling or chewable components. We also recommend a sleek crib with a range of mattress heights and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
When assembling and arranging your baby's crib, be sure you follow the 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 pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and other stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches should not be allowed to sleep in your baby's crib. They could easily fall into or be stuck between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also comply with strict federal laws, state and local regulations 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 designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's essential to choose cribs that meet today's strict safety standards. Used cribs may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inch (6 centimeters) and the hardware should be secured. Check the slats and mattress support rims and the hardware for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that were used by other children and/or pets, as their security could be at risk. Don't buy 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 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs must meet strict safety standards, there are many design differences. Some are purely aesthetic, like whether the slats are the same length or placed closer apart, while others have a real impact on the ease of the crib to use and maintain. Some features like drop sides and finials are not safe and should be avoided. Other features, such as adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are coveted by many parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib is meant only for infant sleep and is not a place to store toys or clothes. It's also an excellent idea to include a crib on your registry to ensure that family and friends can help you get one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in all shapes and sizes however, the ones we like best have a mix of style and functionality. The Storkcraft Equinox is a minimalistic crib that looks great. It's also GREENGUARD gold certified which we believe is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed by converting it with a separate kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a stately choice that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. It only has three mattress levels which is less than the number of competitors. It's also not as sturdy as our other picks.
Another option with modern design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its hidden hardware and all-round mesh improve airflow and make it easier to observe baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can also be raised to a higher position to help reduce colic and reflux and colic, making it suitable for babies ranging from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes a free matching mattress. It's worth noting, though it's more costly than our other top selections and requires a toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it is important that the mattress is the correct height. This will stop your child from escaping the crib, which could be risky or even fatal. click this link now helps protect your baby from overheating or becoming suffocated.
A good crib will include slats that can be adjusted or railings to allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your baby grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit so you can convert the crib into the toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's best to choose a crib that has been tested and approved by a third party organisation for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to ensure there aren't any chemicals or finishes in the baby's sleeping space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the top-rated cribs available, and it's easy to assemble and has a simple layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are shorter than many other models however, one user said that her child slept well in it, and was in good condition when she passed it on to a friend following the birth of her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which gives it a contemporary look. It is a little more expensive than other cribs, however its durability and features are worth it. For instance, it can be transformed into a bassinet, or toddler bed and is able to be moved on wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. It also comes with a canopy that can be used to create a child-like space for your baby. It also adds a stylish touch to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll have to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from infant to toddler.
There are no dangling or chewable ingredients.
The most secure cribs are free of chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab things, and if a piece of furniture is hanging from their crib or above them, it could snag on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and not in reach of Baby.
We also examine how easy it is to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or a long time to assemble. Many parents report that the process of assembling a modern crib can take less than a half hour, and the instructions included are usually simple and easy to follow.
It is crucial to choose a crib that will last many years. Select a crib that is able to be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then to a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top choice for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the early years and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a large bed. It's built to last and comes in a variety of colors, so you can match it to your nursery's design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic alternative. This gorgeous, minimalist-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and comfort them. It also has a stellar reputation for quality and is available in white, cherry, espresso, and natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental protection, and 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 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.