Ten Things You've Learned In Kindergarden To Help You Get Best Infant Cribs
How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential items for your baby's nursery. But picking out a good one can feel overwhelming especially when you consider the many various styles and safety concerns.
Look for a crib that meets the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling parts. We also recommend a stylish crib with a variety of mattress heights as well as a sleek, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when placing and assembling your child's crib. It is essential to avoid putting any items in the crib of your child that could cause injury or harm including blankets, pillows and sheepskins, toys for stuffed animals and bumper pads (see our complete guide to safe sleep for more information). Teddy bears, dolls, and stuffed animals that are larger than 15 inches should not be allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. They could easily fall into or be caught between your baby and the crib bars or be swallowed by the mattress.
The best infant cribs are made from safe materials that are free from VOCs and other toxic chemicals. They also adhere to strict federal laws, state and local regulations for structural safety. Additionally, they're third-party tested for quality and safety (think GREENGAURD gold or ASTM, JMPA, or CPSIA certifications!). And they are designed to be durable and convertible so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's crucial to choose a crib that meets current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Secondhand cribs can have their structural integrity weakened due to age, humidity and prolonged use, which can pose grave dangers to your child.
The slats on your crib should not be more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters), and the hardware should be secure. It's also a good idea to inspect the mattress support rims and slats for any broken or loose components.
It is recommended to stay clear of cribs that were used by children or pets in the past, since their safety could be at risk. Also, don't purchase or accept a second-hand crib with a drop side rail, which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for safety reasons.
Style
There are a variety of variations in the design of cribs, even though they all have to meet safety standards. Some are just aesthetic, like whether the slats are all the same length or placed closer apart and others have a significant impact on how easy the crib is to use and maintain. Certain features, such as drop sides and finials, aren't safe and should be avoided as well. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and casters/wheels--are desirable for many parents.
A crib isn't intended to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be an area where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your list to ensure that family and friends can pitch in to assist you in getting one when the time arrives.
Cribs are available in many different styles We prefer those that combine style with functionality. For instance, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimal and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified which we believe is essential for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted to a daybed or toddler with a separate conversion kit.
Some cribs are more traditional, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It is a stylish option that will fit into large nurseries. However, it occupies more floor space compared to smaller minimalist options. Furthermore, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half of the competition and it's not as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a modern design. The Babyletto Hudson's all-round mesh and hidden hardware enhance airflow and Dr. Casares believes that this is a feature that new parents appreciate. It can be raised to ease colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies between 6 months and birth. It's also GREENGUARD GOLD-certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. 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 is sleeping in their crib, it is important that the mattress is at the correct height. This ensures that your child can't climb out, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A mattress that is higher also helps protect your baby from suffocating or overheating.
A good crib should have adjustable rails or slats that allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with most good cribs to allow you to convert it into a toddler bed or daybed once your child outgrows the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party organisation. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association seal and GREENGUARD Gold Certification are two examples. These certifications guarantee the crib of your baby is free of chemicals or finishes.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib is one of the top-rated cribs available and it's easy to assemble and has a simple design that doesn't include any complicated pieces or parts. The sides of the crib are smaller than most cribs however one tester reported that her baby was comfortable in it and was still in good shape when she gave it to a relative after the birth of her second child.
small cot beds is another fantastic alternative. It features an oval shape which gives it a contemporary look. It's a bit more expensive than the majority of cribs, but it's durable and comes with many options to make up the cost. It is able to be transformed into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels that make it easy to move around. It also has a canopy that can be utilized to create a womb-like environment for your baby. It also adds an elegant look to any nursery.
The only drawback to this crib is that it doesn't come with mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. However, it's a secure and comfortable crib that will expand with your child from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The safest cribs are those that do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hung over or below the crib, this could cause the rails to be pulled or cause strangulation. Babies can be very grabbing. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the security features of our best cribs for infants, we also take into consideration how easy it is to assemble. The ideal crib will be simple enough that you can do it yourself and doesn't require specialized 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 included instructions are generally clear and easy to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, so it's crucial to find one that will last for many years to come. Choose a crib that can be converted from a crib into an infant's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the beginning, and later transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed to last for a long time and is available in a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This gorgeous, minimal-style crib has a low profile which makes it easier for petite parents to reach their child and soothe them. It is well-known for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means it is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of harmful substances like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. It is available separately. This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last.