How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable one can feel overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and safety concerns.
Find a crib that meets the highest safety standards, with no chewable or dangling components. We also suggest a chic crib with a variety of mattress sizes and an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your child's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should not sleep with any teddy bears dolls or stuffed animals bigger than 15 inches. Baby Cot could easily fall into or get stuck 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, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also meet strict federal laws, state and local standards for structural safety. They're also tested by a third party to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certs!) They're also designed to be durable 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 buying a brand new or used crib. Used cribs can be weakened in the course of time due to age, humidity and frequent use. This can cause 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 babies from getting trapped between them, and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to check the slats and the rims of the mattress support for broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to avoid using cribs that were used by other children or pets, since their safety may be compromised. Don't buy or accept a crib with drop-side rails. This feature was removed in 2012 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to protect the public.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some of the differences are cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther than others, and some can affect how easy it is to clean and use the crib. Certain features, like drop sides and finials aren't safe and should be avoided. Other features, like the adjustable mattress heights and wheels, are sought-after by a lot of parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that the crib should be used only for infant sleep, so it's not a place to store toys or clothing. It's also a good idea to put a crib on your registry so that your family and friends can lend a hand to help you purchase one when the time comes.
Cribs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, but the ones we love best have a mix of style and functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It is also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is a must for any toxic-free product. It can be transformed into a daybed and toddler by converting it with a separate kit.
Some cribs feature an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a grand crib that fits well into big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller minimalist options and has exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives, and it's not as sturdy as our other options.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern aesthetic. The Babyletto Hudson's mesh all-around and hidden hardware enhance airflow, and Dr. Casares believes that this is an attribute that many new parents will consider important. It can also be raised to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. It is also GREENGUARD certified GOLD and comes with a mattress. It's worth noting, however it's more costly than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct height. This will prevent your child from climbing out of the crib, which could be fatal or dangerous. A mattress that is higher will also protect your baby from overheating or suffocation.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that allow you to raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. Baby beds comes with most good cribs so that you can turn it into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer in the crib. Finally, it's a good idea to choose 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 guarantee that your baby's crib is not contaminated of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward layout that doesn't contain any jarring pieces or parts. The crib's sides are shorter than those of other cribs. However, one tester reported that her child slept well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend for her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another excellent alternative. It has an oval shape that creates a modern appearance. It's a little more expensive than other cribs but its durability and features make up for it. It can, for instance, be converted into a bassinet or toddler bed and comes with wheels that make it easy to move from room to room. It comes with a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more akin to a womb your baby. It adds a fashionable design to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
click the following web page dangling or chewable parts
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. Babies love to grab objects, and if something is hanging from their crib or above them, it could pull on the rails or become an injury to strangulation. If parents decide to decorate their crib with ornaments or toys, they must make sure that the items are securely fastened and are not within Baby's reach.
In addition to the security features of our top infant cribs, we also look at how easy it is to assemble. The crib should be simple enough to assemble yourself, without the need for special tools or spending a lot of time. Most parents report that it takes less than one hour to put together a modern crib, and the instructions are usually easy to follow.
A crib will be the most expensive purchase for new parents, and it's important to find one that will last for many years to come. For long-lasting use, choose a convertible crib that can be used from the time of infancy all the way up to a toddler bed and finally a larger bed.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for a convertible crib that can be used as a bassinet in the beginning, and later transformed into an infant bed, a daybed or a full-size bed. It's designed for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors that make it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This stunning, minimalist-style crib is low-profile, so parents with small feet can touch their child to soothe them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in white, cherry and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified for finish quality and environmental safety, and it's made from sustainably-sourced New Zealand pine that is free of toxins such as lead and phthalates (BPA). It also exceeds government standards such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is not included is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great choice for those who are looking for a quality, affordable crib that will last.