How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most important pieces for your baby's nursery. However, choosing a suitable crib can be overwhelming particularly with the number of different designs and security concerns.
Find cribs that meet the highest safety standards and has no chewable or dangling components. weblink recommend a stylish crib with a range of mattress heights as well as an elegant, modern design.
Safety
Follow the safe sleeping guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics when assembling and positioning your baby's crib. Avoid placing any items that could cause injury or harm to your baby's nursery. This includes pillows, blankets and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys, and blankets. Teddy bears, dolls and stuffed animals larger than 15 inches are not allowed to be placed in the crib of your baby. These items can easily fall into or become trapped between your baby and the crib bars or they could be engulfed by the mattress.
The best cribs for infants are made of materials that are free of VOCs, toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. They also comply with strict federal 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 certificates!) They're also designed to be durable and adaptable, so they can adapt to your child's needs.
It's important that you choose cribs that meet current safety standards, whether you're purchasing a new or used crib. Used best cot bed may be damaged in their structural integrity due to humidity, age and heavy use, posing serious risks to your infant.
The slats of your crib should be no more than 2-3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware that is on the crib must be secured. It's also a good idea to inspect the slats and mattress support rims for any broken or loose components.
It is also advisable to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, since their safety might be compromised. Finally, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 for security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to meet strict safety standards, you'll find a lot of design differences. Some are just cosmetic, such as whether the slats are all the same length, or are spaced closer than others, and some can impact the ease to clean and use the crib. Some features, like 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.
A crib is not meant to be used for toys or clothes. It's designed to be a place where babies can sleep. It's also recommended to put the crib on your registry so that your family and friends can help you purchase one when the time arrives.
Cribs come in many different styles, but we prefer ones that blend style with functionality. For instance the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and stylish. It's also GREENGUARD Gold certified, which we consider essential for any product that is free of toxics, and it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed (toddler conversion kit sold separately).
Some cribs sport an older-style look, such as the DaVinci Jayden 4-in-1. It's a stately choice that is a good fit for big nursery spaces, but it occupies more floor space than smaller, minimalist alternatives and comes with exposed hardware that some find distracting. Moreover, it only has three levels of mattress height, which is less than half the competition and isn't as durable as our other choices.
The Babyletto Hudson is another option with a more modern look. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh increase airflow and make it easier to see baby which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for a lot of new parents. It can be raised to alleviate colic and reflux. This is suitable for babies who are 6 months and the birth. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and includes an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's important to note, however, that it's more expensive than our other top picks and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
It is crucial that your baby's crib mattress is of the correct height. This ensures that your child doesn't fall out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress also helps protect your baby from overheating or suffocating.
A quality crib should include slats that can be adjusted or railings that let you raise or lower the mattress as your child grows. A majority of cribs include a conversion kit that allows you can convert the crib into a toddler bed or daybed when your child is no longer using it. In the end, it's recommended to select a crib that has been tested and inspected by a third party organization for safety. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification that means it has been tested to make sure there aren't any chemical or other finishes in your baby's sleep space.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep Crib one of the best-rated cribs on the market, and it's easy to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than the other models. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is another fantastic option. It has an oval shape, which creates a modern appearance. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's sturdy and comes with many features to make up for the price. It is able to be transformed into a toddler bed or bassinet and has wheels to make it simple to move around. It also has a canopy that can be used to create an atmosphere more like a womb for your baby. This is a chic accent to any nursery.
The crib doesn't come with a mattress. You will need to purchase a mattress separately. It's a safe and comfortable crib that will be adapted to your child's needs from newborn to toddler.
No Dangling or Chewable Components
The most secure cribs do not have chewable or dangling components. If something is hanging above or below their crib, it could cause the rails to be pulled or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are extremely grabbing. If parents decorate their crib with toys or other objects, they should make sure the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
In addition to the safety features of our top infant cribs, we also consider how simple it is to put together. The crib should be simple enough to assemble by yourself, without requiring special tools or a large amount of time. The majority of parents say it takes less than an hour to assemble an modern crib, and the instructions are generally simple to follow.
A crib will be an important purchase for many new parents, and it's crucial to find one that will last for years to be. Pick a crib that can be transformed from a crib into a toddler's bed, and then to 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 for the long haul and is available in a variety of colors, making it easy to match your nursery design theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another excellent alternative. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile, so small parents can touch their child to comfort them. It also has a great reputation for quality and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors as well as natural pine colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free from toxins such as lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the standards of government agencies like ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. The only thing missing is a toddler rail, which you can buy separately. This is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality, and low-cost crib that will last for a long time.